The most talented employee who regularly misses work, will soon become a former employee.
The most talented artist who does not produce art is a: former artist / poser / dilettante/ wannabe.
Showing up for an artist means putting in the time to create. Showing up does not include
- sharp
ening pencils
- priming canvas
- cleaning brushes
- thinking about what to paint, photograph, draw
- (fill in your favorite time waster here)
Sharp pencils, primed canvas, clean brushes, and a subject are all important, but they do not create art in of themselves.
Eventually, an artist must, draw, paint, photograph, sculpt, etc. In other words, make art.
Some artists have a pin-neat space to work in; others prefer to allow entropy to have its way. Some have a studio, others a kitchen table. Some can work full-time, others squeeze it in around the day job.
What is important is to make time for creation. All the preparation and space in the world won’t make art – only you can do that.