How much of art comes from the artist?

Leanne, I really have to say that I agree with your thought process here. When cooking, you really are only following a recipe with instructions BUT I have known people who did not possess the TALENT to follow those instructions. Using this line of thinking, you still must possess some talent to create even from a recipe or doing cross stitching with instructions.

I sew and can do anything I desire with my sewing maching; with or without a pattern too. I can create from my own mind/design. Just because you have instructions to follow does not in any way assume that you will be able to create the desired effect if you possess no talent whatsoever.

Did this make sense  

----- LIFE: I messed up, can I have a 'do over'?