About My Articles

Before you read any of the articles that I have written, it seemed prudent to give some guidance or notes, as many of them were written before 2000; and as we all develop, learn, and gain new information throughout our lives, much has to be revised, reconsidered, and sometimes re-evaluated. In some cases, the naivety of youth can lead us totally down the wrong path, where we later look back at ideas and assumptions with somewhat embarrassment. Even now, I have to laugh at myself when I consider that I call myself a writer and make the most juvenile of errors with spelling and punctuation, etc.

Writing is one area where I refuse to use AI. I might use it to tidy up my formatting, but I will not use it to re-write my words so that my writing sounds better. If a story I have written seems clunky or wordy, that is how I wrote it. There is very little point in giving, or sharing, my life story and evolution as an artist if others are not able to see my growth or my earlier works. The purpose of this site is not to glorify and show off my works, but to hopefully inspire others who may be new to the craft. How can they develop if we don't show them that it is okay to fail, or that art is a process of refinement, growth, and ultimately, development through trial and error? Not everyone is born or blessed in the way artists such as Da Vinci were. A good craftsman needs to practice their skills to hone them.

The Creative Process

Which brings me to my next point about there being two essentially different kinds of writers, or artists. There is the craftsman, who is someone that can decide to sit and write about something, or paint something, and then gets it done. Or, like in my case, the other kind: someone who has to wait for the so-called "muse" to inspire them. If I were to sit down and decide to craft something particular—regardless of whether it is written, composed, or sketched—I would ultimately fail. I cannot, and never have been able to, produce or do anything creative until a thought, a line of rhyme, or something otherwise unknown has directed me to.

At that point, it becomes a rush to get things down on paper, or started sufficiently, before the moment subsides or passes. It might not be that I can work on it in that moment, but that moment is the moment when the magic starts for me. It could be that the moment demands my full attention until it is finished, or I could find myself struggling, in which case I know I need to put it away until the right moment comes along to work on it. I cannot force it; I have to realize how my process works and let the process guide me. More often than not, people like myself are the more cursed, as that moment might arise while in the bath, or just when our head hits the pillow at bedtime.

A Final Thought on Perspective

One last thought that I feel is prudent to make with articles is that they are not meant to be considered as fact, or that I have found answers that others have not. They essentially are my own reasoning of moments, or topics, that I have explored and wrestled with for understanding. I present them as nothing more than food for thought and as a glimpse into the mind of another. They are not meant to offend, educate, or offer anything other than a glimpse at my thoughts to myself.

Given that we now live in a world that is oversaturated by social media, it seems we are bombarded with opinions and viewpoints that somehow have become landmines that we have to avoid as we navigate the landscape of life, treading carefully so as not to offend or subjugate those who might think or feel differently. There was a time when debate and having a different opinion enriched us, nourished us, and helped us grow—adding the thoughts and differences of others into our own makeup. Now, it seems it has become toxic and dangerous to speak one's mind. It has also become commonplace to expect others to retract their comments, ideas, and feelings because they offend.

Intention no longer has a place in meaning. I will not, and never will, apologize for my feelings or my thoughts, as my intention in all things is pure and not personal. I will not take down a piece of writing, or art, because it might not be in line with someone else's religious or political viewpoint. If my site or my works upsets you or offends you, then I am sorry, and would advise you to look for art somewhere else that you approve of.

 Ian Deal 2025