The Role of Anxiety in Making Art

Anxiety is the hand maiden of creativity. (T. S. Eliot)

REMBRANDT - Portrait of a Young Woman
  1632-   Oil on canvas, 92 x 71 cm

So this week I am taking a painting workshop with my former teacher.
Of course, I am a little anxious about it.
I have prepared all my materials, and packed my bag.
But the anxiety is still there.
I really don't know why, because I have taken classes with him before.
I guess it's just the fear of the unknown.
And, like most artists, I am worried about my skill level.
I am sure everything will turn out well.
But anxiety keeps me focused, alert, and ready to act.

How does anxiety factor into your work?

Never miss a good chance to shut up. (Will Rogers)

At first thought, this quote seems to refer to conversation between individuals.

But what if we thought about its meaning in a different way?

Don't we also need to "shut up" and listen to ourselves?

REMBRANDT - The Mennonite Minister Cornelis Claesz. Anslo
 in Conversation with his Wife, Aaltje (detail) - 1641 
Oil on canvas

Life Imitates Art: Thief Steals Rembrandt Drawing

In the novel The Rembrandt Affair (Gabriel Allon Series #10) by Daniel Silva, the Israeli spy Gabriel Allon tracks down a stolen Rembrandt painting. Last Saturday, in a California hotel, life imitated art as a thief made off with a precious Rembrandt drawing.

Cops watch surveillance video in Rembrandt heist

"The Judgment," an 11-by-6 inch drawing by Rembrandt van Rijn, was taken from a California hotel.