Greetings,

Although I have an aptitude for music, when I sit down at the piano, I have no aspiration other than to experience the joy of music. I am not committed to reaching the next skill level. Music for me is in some ways more pleasurable than painting because I don't try to ascend from one plateau up to the next and then, still unsatisfied, struggle to climb to the next. I am not an accomplished musician, but my enjoyment is boundless.

Painting on the other hand carries with it a restless undertone, goading me to go beyond myself. I want, insatiably, to be better than I am. Because I seem to think everyone else is like me, or ought to be, I'm often surprised and judgmental of amateur painters who coast along with self satisfied complacency. I want them to dig deeper, try harder, I want them to want.

Of course, there's nothing wrong with playing the piano simply for pleasure.

Be well,
George Allen Durkee
This blog may not be reproduced in any form whatsoever without permission from George Allen Durkee