Presented as either a riddle or tale, the koan is instrumental to the Zen student's path to enlightenment; by opening and freeing the mind from both outer and inner restrictions, the -empty mind- of the Zen student is more open to insight and realization that could be achieved in no other way. As artists, we, too, need the benefit of an -empty mind.- Our own creative insights and realizations become more tangible and workable when we clear away the clutter of fear, negativity, apathy, and all other potentially destructive restrictions that we may have learned in our lives. KOAN KREATIVITY is...

To say "I am an artist"-and to believe it for the very first time (or, for the very first time in a long time)-is the necessary pivotal step in becoming who you already are. It's the recognition of your own powerful, creative force. It's the acknowledgement of the vast artistic potential that lies deep inside of you, waiting for a moment to spring forth. Waiting for this present moment. As an artist and creative being, you can't afford to wait for the world to give you permission to do your work-or to step out of that cramped, darkened closet that has suffocated your...