I just found this awesome little interview with film maker Francis Ford Coppola (via Boing Boing).
http://the99percent.com/articles/6973/Francis-Ford-Coppola-On-Risk-Money-Craft-Collaboration
A lot of what he has to say is incredible apropos across many creative fields, including illustration.
He also hits on a lot of topics that we have been speaking about quite recently here on Muddy Colors.
“The cinema language happened by experimentation – by people not knowing what to do. But unfortunately, after 15-20 years, it became a commercial industry. People made money in the cinema, and then they began to say to the pioneers, ‘Don’t experiment. We want to make money. We don’t want to take chances.’
An essential element of any art is risk. If you don’t take a risk then how are you going to make something really beautiful, that hasn’t been seen before? I always like to say that cinema without risk is like having no sex and expecting to have a baby. You have to take a risk. “
Some interesting points from a true artist and a great interview, wish it had been longer.
This gets me to thinking along the lines of finding a patron and working to live in their house and just create without fear of deadlines or finances. Ahhhhh, the semi possible dream 🙂
How many fans does an artist need?
One if they have a big house and a steady food supply!
Anyway… I am a huge fan of this director, he may say he is no 'master' but the moods he finds within his films to me border on mad genius, I even liked Godfather 3, am I the only one??
Although I am glad Sophia went on to also direct I was not hating her acting chops as much as many others.
This gets a definite tweet.
Funny you should mention this – cartoonist Tom Hart was mentioning lines today in my comics seminar from this interview with Mr. Coppola.
Very inspiring.
This is good reading. There are a few things that struck at me. Insecurity is something I've always struggled with. I battle it everyday. I also have to work another job to support my family, wishing I made a living just from my art. But, this allows me to be free. I can take those risks to attempt something beautiful, powerful, and meaningful.
I feel so encouraged from this, Dan. Thank you for posting it.