14 Comments
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Isis M. W. Brennan's avatar

So happy to read your comment Kelsey! Big admirer of your Abel!

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Kelsey Lim's avatar

Aww thank you!

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Anna's avatar

If mediocrity is defined by absence—of depth, tension, surprise—then what’s the minimum threshold for greatness?

Where does it begin, and how do we know we’ve crossed into it?

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Isis M. W. Brennan's avatar

It’s not about scale or perfection, but about presence: a work, an object, a gesture that holds depth, invites tension, offers some element of surprise or clarity. You know you’ve crossed into it when what you’ve made or encountered lingers, it stirred something. The threshold is that it doesn’t feel like a finish line; it’s a new opening.

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Zoë's avatar

“When we’re too busy trying to please everyone, we risk hiding the very parts that would make people fall in love. It’s like bland toast—comforting when your stomach’s upset, sure, but no one craves it when things are going well.”

This quote struck a chord, and I’m going to try to remember this as continue on my own jewelry making journey!

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Emili Vesilind's avatar

Love your writing and thoughtful ideas—thank you.

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Isis M. W. Brennan's avatar

Emili, thank you so much for your kind words. It means a lot coming from you!

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Kelsey Lim's avatar

There are so many wonderful lines I’m bookmarking in my brain from this — really lovely and important reminders throughout!

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DAER DISCOVERS's avatar

Love Sophie Buhai already but hadn’t seen these images, absolutely agree with their impact and importance. Loved reading this!

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Isis M. W. Brennan's avatar

Thank you 💝

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Tabea Verena's avatar

what a profoundly important and well thought out post!

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Isis M. W. Brennan's avatar

Tabea, thank you for taking the time to read and comment. Your kind words truly mean a lot!

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Cecilia Lacerda's avatar

I can't believe I'm just reading this now, I'm so flattered to be mentioned! "do something, anything, but do not commit the sin of mediocrity" is the best advice, especially for creatives.

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Tarcila Zanatta's avatar

Beautifully written

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