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I was asked to write about Hugh Macleod’s art.  Naturally, I jumped at the chance.

The assignment was to write about my favorite piece.  The cartoon you see above came to mind instantly.  It is definitely my favorite.  But I’m not going to write anything more about it.

I’d much rather discuss this one:


I’ve always known that music is a mood-altering substance.  So are ideas.  Good and bad, new and old, actionable and abstract.

Ironically, Hugh also cautions against the inebriating effects of ideas.  I can’t find the quote, but his assertion is that great ideas grow on you slowly, while mediocre ideas emerge from your brain with an orchestral accompaniment and a faint heavenly glow, promising things they can’t deliver.

He is, of course, right on both counts.  The mood-altering effects of ideas are profound, and are often the reason a person enters a creative profession.  But so-called “eureka moments” are also the hallmark of a novice and the downfall of many.  

To put my spin on it, I would suggest people become intoxicated by possibility, then sober up with a generous serving of reality.

In other words, create enthusiastically and judge harshly.

Thanks to Tyler Hurst for organizing this.