The voice that has listened in the womb and practiced every day all day and even while dreaming at night is absolutely original, powerful and, therefore, the stuff of genius. Not until I was 70 could I claim my own voice as my spiritual practice.
Support groups for artists differ from "crit" groups in that the individuals are not looking for critiques of their artwork from other members. Support focuses on the emotional aspect of being an artist.
John Hiatt's new album Dirty Jeans And Mudslide Hymns kicks off with a pretty universally themed song, "Damn This Town." It's true, no matter what town you grow up in, every kid can't wait to get out of it.