This resembles the slow discipline of art: it's the work that Rembrandt did, that Picasso and Yeats and Rilke and Bach did. Bucket work implies much more discipline than most men realize.
The quote emphasizes the dedication and meticulous effort involved in the creative processes of great artists like Rembrandt, Picasso, Yeats, Rilke, and Bach. Each of these figures is celebrated not only for their talent but also for the rigorous discipline they demonstrated in their crafts. The term "bucket work" suggests that achieving mastery requires consistent and often unglamorous effort, paralleling the artistic journey with a structured and disciplined approach.
Robert Bly's insights in "Iron John: A Book About Men" draw attention to the underlying commitment artists must maintain over time. This concept challenges the perception that creativity is effortless or spontaneous, instead highlighting that true artistry emerges from persistent, disciplined labor, akin to daily, dedicated practice. Ultimately, Bly underscores that the path to mastery is often slow and requires sustained focus, much like the works of the masters he references.
