My buddy Chris Orwig, a man who combines the poet & geek with grace.

A few quick quotes this morning to bring us all back to thinking about the uneasy – but necessary – connection between the artistic and technical sides of ourselves, or our craft. It seems everywhere I look as I study creativity and the creative process, I see reminders that it’s those who give not 50% of their attention & pursuit to skill, and 50% to creativity, but those that give 100% to each, however mathematically improbable that sounds.

“The separation of talent and skill is one of the greatest misunderstood concepts for people who are trying to excel, who have dreams, who want to do things. Talent you have naturally; skill is only developed by hours and hours and hours of beating on your craft.”
- Will Smith

“You’re only kidding yourself if you put creativity before craft. Craft is where our best efforts begin. You should not worry that rote exercises aimed at developing skills will suffocate creativity. At the same time, it’s important to recognize that demonstrating great technique is not the same as being creative.”
-Twyla Tharp

“Without passion, all the skill in the world won’t lift you above craft. Without skill, all the passion in the world will leave you eager but floundering. Combining the two is the essence of the creative life.”
-Twyla Tharp

Next week I’m going to announce a giveaway related to the launch of VisionMongers, Making a Life and a Living in Photography. Until then, have a great weekend. Get out there and shoot something you love.