Thanks for the kind words. As far as how we measure our receptiveness that is a difficult thing. I am very pragmatic and defer to the larger, overarching faith that is developed in the day-to-day struggle (and the reassurances I have felt doing such things as attending meetings and reading the Book of Mormon). So I might think I am inspired to enter a particular show, ultimately not get in that show, but still retain a notion of being inspired to have followed that path. Again this is an aspect of keeping focused on the larger panorama of life of which art is only a very small part.

It is a very nuanced process and difficult to articulate, but I hope this answers your question somewhat.

I find this part very helpful right now:

“And remember that art makes a great vocation but a very poor religion. We always try to remember that any success we enjoy is a blessing from God. It generally has little to do with our individual efforts. We always pray for inspiration and help when we work on a project.”

I wonder, how do you measure your receptiveness to the answers to such prayers?

“Part of success is deciding what’s most important at different phases of life and getting that part of the formula right.”