[Tom Edgerton]

Jeff-

If it makes you feel better, I once heard Richard Whitney remark that it takes a good number of years just to get to the point where "you can make it look like the thing," that is, achieve anywhere near a full realization of form, as Marvin said. THEN, you begin to selectively orchestrate what you've acquired, in other words, to begin to evolve a personal vision and stylistic approach. It takes a while, at best.

Miles Davis once overheard a musician criticising another player as being too derivative, too much a product of his influences. In an--uncharacteristically--generous moment, Davis replied: "It takes a long time to learn to play like yourself."

I try to keep that in mind when I'm in a funk about my work.

Nothing you're doing is wasted time. Just keep working and what you're after will evolve naturally.

Best--TE