Martha Graham quote

“There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening
that is translated through you into action,
and because there is only one of you in all time,
this expression is unique.
If you block it,
it will never exist through any other medium
and be lost.
The world will not have it.
It is not your business to determine how good it is;
nor how valuable it is;
nor how it compares with other expressions.
It is your business to keep it yours, clearly and directly,
to keep the channel open.

You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work.
You have to keep open and aware directly
to the urges that motivate you.

Keep the channel open.
No artist is pleased.
There is no satisfaction whatever at any time.
There is only a queer, divine dissatisfaction;
a blessed unrest that keeps us marching
and makes us more alive than the others.”

this is by Martha Graham – not someone I knew anything about, but clearly a wise lady. Apparently she’s the founder of contemporary dance, and rather important. must do some research.

anyway, it’s a fantastic quote.

2 Replies to “Martha Graham quote”

  1. Thanks for spreading the word about the revolution,last week. I just hope the CIA don’t read your blog.

    I’m not a very happy socialist today. Much as I sympathise with the local government workers, the lack of Lothian Buses means I can’t go across to the other side of Edinburgh tonight to hear Noam Chomsky speak on Deterring Democracy.

    Back to the revolution… Maybe we should just tell the strange people who end up represesnting us what we want them to do, and then cause absolute mayhem if they don’t do it.

    My list would be;
    1. No more wars without a vote in Parliament. No more wars longer than 6 months without a referrendum.
    2. Really do somthing about climate change. Limit air travel, improve public transport, make buildings carbon neutral, reduce food miles.
    3. Simplify the benfits system so people know what they should be getting.
    4. Don’t replace Trident, scrap it!
    5. Scrap the identity cards scheme.

  2. the thought of mr steve lawson engaging in contemporary dance is one that makes me smile.

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