When writer and sculptor Kent Nerburn received a letter from a young woman questioning her dream of devoting her life to the arts, he was struck by how closely her questions mirrored the doubts and yearnings of his own youth, and how universal the issues were that all artists must face.
In Dancing with the Gods he offers us the wisdom of a life spent grappling with these issues. From struggles with money and the bitterness of rejection, to spiritual questions of inspiration and authenticity, these meditations and reflections offer insight, solace and encouragement to anyone who would undertake the unique and deeply rewarding journey of a life in the arts. Tender, thoughtful and joyous, it is a celebration of art’s power to transform the darkest of human experiences and give voice to the grandest of human hopes.
First published in Great Britain, the USA and Canada in 2018
by Canongate Books Ltd, 14 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1TE
Distributed in the USA by Publishers Group West and in Canada by Publishers Group Canada
This digital edition first published in 2018 by Canongate Books
Copyright © Kent Nerburn, 2018
The moral right of the author has been asserted
For permission credits please see here
While every effort has been made to trace the owners of copyright material reproduced herein, the publishers would like to apologise for any omissions and will be pleased to incorporate missing acknowledgements in any further editions
British Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data
A catalogue record for this book is available on request from the British Library
ISBN: 978 1 78689 115 0
eISBN 978 1 78689 116 7
Typeset in Granjon by Palimpsest Book Production Ltd, Falkirk, Stirlingshire
For Tom Kraabel, who believed in me, and
Wayne Rood, who taught me that art must care
Contents
Introduction: Dreams and Fears
Finding the place where time stands still
2. Finding a Vision, Finding a Voice:
The search for authentic personal expression
The essential responsibility of learning your craft
The inviolable imperative of excellence
6. The Peril of Easy Blessing:
The need for long patience and the pitfalls of early success
7. Dark Nights and Waterless Places:
When inspiration fails and doubt sets in
The pain and challenge of rejection
The harsh reality of critics and criticism
The toll of money on the creative spirit
The tyranny of success and recognition
