Martha Graham to Agnes DeMille
“There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is or how valuable 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 yourself open and aware of the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open. As for you, Agnes, you have a peculiar and unusual gift, and you have so far used about one-third of your talent.”
“But when I see my work I take for granted what other people value in it. I see only it ineptitude, inorganic flaws and crudities. I am not pleased or satisfied.” “No artist is pleased.” “But then is there no satisfaction?” “No satisfaction whatever, at anytime. There is only a queer divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others.”
