The world displays perfect neutrality
on whether we achieve any outward manifestation
of our inner desires.
But not art.
Art is exquisitely responsive.
Nowhere is feedback so absolute as in making art.
The work we make,
even if unnoticed and undesired by the world,
vibrates in perfect harmony to everything we put into it - or withhold from it.
In the outside world there may be no reaction to what we do;
in our artwork there is nothing but reaction.

The breathtakingly wonderful thing about this reaction
is its truthfulness.
Look at your work and it tells you how it is
when you hold back
or when you embrace.
When you are lazy, your art is lazy,
it stands there staring, hands in its pockets.
But when you commit, it comes on like blazes.

by David Bayles & Ted Orland,
Art  & fear
Observations on the Perils
(and Rewards) of Artmaking

XI

Coyoté studied Owl's pencil drawing.
Owl he could recognize.
But this dancing idiot by the fire…
who was that?

He turned, frowning.
Owl waited, breathing slowly.
Odd, Coyoté thought
that Owl seemed cast dumb.

Coyoté just pointed vaguely toward the stream.
Owl smiled, remained still and quiet.
Coyoté scowled.
Owl smiled, less quietly.

Coyoté asked for an eraser.
Owl took his drawing
and walked away.

Smiling,
yet still and quiet.