Given so much success, one might surmise that Graham had enormous confidence. She did, and then suddenly it disappeared. After she stopped dancing in her seventies, she lost her will to live, succumbing to depression, drinking, a failed suicide attempt, and a coma. Then, in 1972, she resurrected her life, giving up alcohol, returning to her studio, reorganizing her dance company, and choreographing ten new ballets along with a host of revivals. Graham probably would have continued in this vein, but pneumonia led to her death in 1991 at the age of 96.
There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep yourself open and aware to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open...No artist is pleased. [There is] no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive....
What quotes have inspired and encouraged you at a time of doubt?
What gives you the courage to be creative? What closes the channel and stifles your creativity?