Begin It

Whatever you can do
or dream you can
begin it

Boldness has genius
power
and magic in it.

attribution unclear, see below

Cari Ferraro, 2002

Fine art print

Original artwork made with acrylic pigment in wheat paste, walnut ink and iridescent ink

Detail image below

NOTE: Since I made this print, it has come to my attention that Goethe is not strictly speaking the author of these words, but perhaps only the original source of a murky translation by John Anster of something originally written by Goethe, and then somewhat misquoted by W. H. Murray. This is the complete quote as Murray wrote it, correct attribution and source:

Until one is committed, there is hesitancy,
the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness
concerning all acts of initiative (and creation).

The moment one definitely commits oneself,
then Providence moves too.
A whole stream of events issues from the decision.

Whatever you can do or dream you can,
Begin it.
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.
Begin it now.

-W.H. Murray
The Scottish Himalayan Expedition
J.M. Dent & Sons Ltd., 1951

usually attributed to Goethe

I continue to trust the fact-checking of print editors more than internet sources. But it is murky indeed.

Artist's edition digital print

8 x 10.5 image, on 11 x14-inch acid-free art paper

$29.99