I have lots of quotes and quote books in my studio. I use them all the time and sometimes the same quote inspires different versions for the same text. I plan to share both versions of this text in my blog. This is the first version I created for these amazing words from Benjamin Franklin:
It is better to be
the master
of your silence,
than to be
a slave
to your words.
- Benjamin Franklin 1790
In this version I played with watercolor. I created the background by writing the word “words” with green ink over and over again, then splattered it with water and a blue ink soaked paper towel. I then wrote over the letters W – O – R – D – S with a big sharpie marker, then a Japanese, orange ink brush, then white gel pen. I wanted that word to stand out. This background then sat for a couple weeks until I was ready to proceed. To be honest, I thought I ruined it – it was overworked – and then I realized that same thing could be said about how we utilize our words.
I cherish the power of words. When we take the time to read and understand their power, the right word or phrase can change our lives. As someone who is a talker – anyone who knows me can attest to that! – the right choice of word can inspire, humble, encourage or enrage people. The right words we say to ourselves can push us towards our goal or make our knees buckle. I think Benjamin Franklin is reminding us that the strongest power we hold is the power we control with our words. And that power is one we need to learn to utilize properly.
Just because we can humiliate someone with our words doesn’t mean we should. Just because we think we are right does not mean we should send a nasty-gram email and put that fury or option in writing. And just because we live in a land where we cherish free speech does not mean we can say anything we want without facing the consequences. Words have power. They can change the course of people’s lives, their self esteem, and even permanently damage or repair any relationship. Yep, we can apologize, and often we should, yet those words we said or wrote are almost impossible for that audience to forget.
You know what I’m talking about. You probably have that person who said “blah-blah-blah” what ever it was, and you cannot forget or forgive them. And the words of a teacher, a boss, a co-worker, a family member or a trusted friend – those words have stuck with you. In a good way or a bad way, they are in your head. They come out to bite you or encourage you when you least expect it, or need it most. Because again, words have power.
I’m going to leave this one here, and pick it up with my next blog post, Version 2…so stay tuned!
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