So Much Joy . . .

I have this quote by artist, Robert Bateman, beside my computer - "Most artists will never be famous, but that is not the point as long as they participate in the joy and struggle of creating art."
Now isn't that really the point of it all for those of us who do create art throughout our lifetimes? Mr. Bateman is quite correct that even though we do choose to paint or write or compose day after day, striving to make the next piece better than the one that came before it, most of use will never achieve any level of lasting fame or sustaining fortune from our art. However there is much to be said for the struggle itself and the satisfaction we feel when we achieve the next level or goal we have set for ourselves in our life's work. And the passion and joy we feel as we create the work with our own hands, or minds, or hearts can certainly be a reward worth accomplishing in itself. Creating something from within yourself certainly does bring so much joy!
I believe this to be true . . . and the other outside achievements beyond these when reached are truly icing on the cake.