Dear Neologist:
Since I was a kid my Mom always said "go slow" when we were on our way out of the house. But living in California and working in the clay arts it's all about "instant success." Is there something I can say to my artist friends when they challenge me in my artistic quest for all things "quality, not quantity"?
Thank you for this kind service when one special word said in a dramatic way is so necessary sometimes. Even if it's a German word said with an Italian accent while splattering clay.
Slowly Spinning in San Simeon
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Dear Slowly Spinning,
In a situation such as yours I would find it difficult to resist the urge to seek refuge in a simple English BUZZ OFF! Hell, I might not even use the word "buzz." But civility demands restraint. And if the German language can offer anything it's most certainly the civil expression of repressed anger. Thus I suggest that --- upon your next confrontation with your friends' lust for instant glory --- you unleash upon them the concept of
Künstlerischer Gährungsprozeß
m, qu'nst-lur-reesh-er gay'-roongs-pro-tsess'
(artistic fermentation process)
You might also mention the German saying
Gut Ding braucht Weile.
goot ding browkt vile'-uh
(A good thing takes time.)
While there is much to be said for a daily artistic discipline in creating new work, being awarded the trappings of worldly success for said work isn't always under our control. Hence the maddening need for patience --- and for German compound nouns --- to keep eager friends (and one's own inner voice) at bay.
Viel Glück!
The Neologist
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