I was reminded of this bit of wisdom by Jesse Breytenbach.
What my art teacher taught me: Make Mistakes.
When doing creative work – whether in the planning stages or in execution – don’t grip the steering wheel. Hold on with your fingertips and guide the process, allowing unexpected things to happen. Skill is in recognising happy accidents and making the most of them. A unexpected line may suggest the curve of a back, the turning of a head in a way you could never knowingly have contrived. Paint splatters, unexpected colour combinations – accidents can breathe life into your work.
My art teacher taught me: Make Mistakes
Masha du Toit 
May 31, 2008 @ 01:22:07
I think it is true in art and in life. Don’t be afraid to take ‘the road less traveled.’ I find that slowing down and worrying more about the journey than the destination makes life so much more fun!
May 31, 2008 @ 03:44:34
Yes, mistakes can sometimes be serendipitous.
Mostly though, they annoy the HELL out of me 🙂
Jun 01, 2008 @ 20:14:01
I think this lesson should apply to everything in life.