When I think about what it means to be an artist the only thing that really comes to mind is work. Artist live their work. They wake up and make a commitment to what they do. They don't turn it on and off--they don't work eight hour shifts and then shut it off until the next day. Discipline is the key to success in art. We don't think about the finished product, we don't think about fame or we don't really think about making money---we think about the work. I was looking at these pictures of my friend Jen thinking about how working out is much the same thing. It takes discipline and commitment and work.....even when she isn't lifting or running--she is making life choices to maintain her health standard. Its like being an artist. One of the best lessons I've learned in life came from Cootie Harris when he talked about Tai Chi being a state of mind that is in harmony with the body. He referred to creating something as Tai Chi---the act of balance of body and breath to an end. Brilliant! I think the key to life is to explore....endlessly explore...even if its is self contained exploration it is vitally important to growth. I feel if I'm never satisfied with my work that I'm doing it right...we should always be striving for the next level. SayerMotter photographs by Richard Sayer