“ With my art , I guess my goal is always to try to improve . The most satisfying thing for me is creating something I ’ m happy with which is hard because I ’ m my own worst critic .”
“ I haven ’ t had a lot of goals recently but there has always been one in the back of my head and that was I ’ ve always dreamt of writing a children ’ s book . I used to tell my kids a different story every night . I can ’ t remember any of them , but I promised myself that one day I ’ d write a book . I ’ m in the process of that right now and I ’ m hoping by next summer I ’ ll have it out . For me , that will be a real bucket list check-off .”
So , let ’ s recount . Champion athlete , successful businessman , artist , and now on his way to being an author . Renaissance man indeed . With all his life experience the question had to be posed . What advice would he give to young artists ?
“ I think the main advice I would give for life , as well as art , would be to be honest , and true to yourself . I would also say don ’ t beat yourself up .”
“ There ’ s a great story about a bamboo fly rod maker . It ’ s an amazingly intricate craft . This rod maker was one of the best in the world and people would say , “ What an amazing thing that your rods are so beautiful .” But his wife would pull them aside and tell them , “ You don ’ t know how many times I ’ ve watched him through the kitchen window break a rod over his knee that he was unhappy with .” And that ’ s kind of how this goes when you ’ re upset but I ’ ve learned over the years that nine out of ten pieces don ’ t turn out that great . You may be hoping for that little gem but just enjoy the ride . Enjoy the process . Don ’ t think everything you make will turn out because they won ’ t . Also , be careful who you listen to as far as criticism and critiquing because not everyone is encouraging or positive . Mainly , though , have fun with the process . Have fun with the gift you ’ ve been given and see where it goes . Don ’ t put a lot of pressure on yourself .”
12 ART CHOWDER MAGAZINE