Author Archives: thevsstudioblog

“The world is violent and mercurial–it will have its way with you. We are saved only by love–love for each other and the love that we pour into the art we feel compelled to share: being a parent; being a writer; being a painter; being a friend. We live in a perpetually burning building, andContinue reading ““We Are Saved Only By Love””

Well, we all need someone we can lean onAnd if you want it, you can lean on me. -“Let It Bleed” song by The Rolling Stones Mantras are powerful antidotes to suffering and difficult times. Think of AA’s “One Day At A Time.” Or… Abraham Lincoln, who suffered numerous tragedies, struggled with depression, and ledContinue reading ““We’ll Get Through It””

“Among the maxims on Lord Naoshige’s wall there was this one: ‘Matters of great concern should be treated lightly.’ Master Ittei commented, ‘Matters of small concern should be treated seriously.” -Excerpt from Hakagure, The Book Of The Samurai by Yamamoto Tsunetomo, Translated by William Scott Wilson “Start by doing what’s necessary, then do what’s possible,Continue reading “Attack The Small Stuff Now”

“Character is fate.” -Heraclitus “Man looks in the abyss, there’s nothing staring back at him. At that moment, man finds his character. And that is what keeps him out of the abyss.” -Lou Mannheim played by Hal Holbrook in the film, Wall Street “We kept our rep, bro.” -Sue played by Alex Van Horn inContinue reading “Reputation Vs. Character”

“If the mind is disciplined, the heart turns quickly from fear to love.” -John Cage “Stillness is what aims the archer’s arrow. It inspires new ideas. It sharpens perspective and illuminates connections. It slows the ball down so that we might hit it. It generates a vision, helps us resist the passions of the mob,Continue reading “Hey Stillap!”

“A person’s success in life can usually be measured by the number of uncomfortable conversations he or she is willing to have.” -Tim Ferriss “I say this is how we must act. I do those things which seem correct to me today. I trust myself. And if security concerns me, I do that which today I think will makeContinue reading “Uncomfortable Conversations”

First I read this blog post from Seth Godin. Then a couple days later, I came across this NYT article about Jason M. Allen (headline: “An A.I.-Generated Picture Won an Art Prize. Artists Aren’t Happy”) who took first prize with a picture completely generated by A.I. (image above). The last paragraph/quote from Mr. Allen isContinue reading “An A.I. Wake Up Call?”

No one will value you higher than you value yourself. And nothing is more valuable that your time and attention. What’s one hour of your time worth? Chances are it’s much, much higher than you think. Knowing that, be intentional with how you spend every minute, every hour and every day. Including your time off.

“It is better to pick the wrong priority that none at all.” -Peter Drucker “The majority of what you want will come from the minority of what you do.” -Gary Keller “Remember that if you don’t prioritize your life someone else will.” – Greg Mckeown, book Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit Of Less What’s the storyContinue reading “(What’s the PRIORITY) Morning Glory?”

“If you get a chance to act in a room that somebody else has paid rent for, then you’re given a free chance to practice your craft.” -Philipp Seymour Hoffman “I had this cognition that I realized I was going into auditions, trying to get a job. And that simply wasn’t what I was supposedContinue reading “Practicing Your Craft”