The conventional wisdom here is that while “craft” can be taught, “art” remains a magical gift bestowed only by the gods. Not so. In large measure becoming an artist consists of learning to accept yourself, which makes your work personal, and in following your own voice, which makes your work distinctive. Clearly these qualities can be nurtured by others…. Even talent is rarely distinguishable, over the long run, from perseverance and lots of hard work.
David Bayles & Ted Orland, Art & Fear (via amirrorforone)