the Creative Habit
Late last week I picked up this book from the library on
Shannon at LuvintheMommyhood's recommendation.
The Creative Habit
by Twyla Tharp.
I feel like I'm a pretty organized, habitually creative person, so I wasn't sure what I would find to use in this book. The answer? A Lot.
Twyla is a dancer and choreographer who writes a gloriously artful and introspective book drawing out concepts and illustrations from all sorts of artistic genres. It's absolutely fascinating reading, for me. But, I'm a thinker.
Even more so, it's successful in engaging the reader in self-reflection, with questions or thought points at the end of each chapter. I'm only on page 47, since I'm digesting this book one bite at a time, and I've already pondered my creative "rituals", my creative fears, goals, how I can carry my creative "pencil" with me so I'm gathering and capturing ideas any old time and is my natural creative perspective deep into details or standing at arms length?
And, as an aside, I love, LOVE the way the book is designed. Simple typeface filling the page, occasional use of large text to make a point, minimalist chapter announcements. It all reads so well, so modern, such a convergence of beauty and simplicity.
Chapter 2 of The Creative Habitis about knowing yourself as an artist, as in understanding what works for you and why. I love this kind of introspection! I've been journaling a bit, as it helps me process. I'll share these musings, titled "Alone", which emerged from Twyla's discussion on the importance of solitude to the artist so that her art is free to remain truly her own.
On Mondays, read no blogs. Be alone w/my creative thoughts. When I'm alone the way is clear - no book, color green, new handstitched class.
If you're a thinker-type, I know you'll relish this book. I hope you can find time to enjoy a copy! And now I'm off to be alone this Thursday, since the children are staying over at grandma's house. I'll be working on projects for my new class. First details to come tomorrow!
edited to add: The pincushion here is Anna Maria Horner's design included in her book Seams to Me. I love it!
The Creative Habit
by Twyla Tharp.
I feel like I'm a pretty organized, habitually creative person, so I wasn't sure what I would find to use in this book. The answer? A Lot.
Twyla is a dancer and choreographer who writes a gloriously artful and introspective book drawing out concepts and illustrations from all sorts of artistic genres. It's absolutely fascinating reading, for me. But, I'm a thinker.
Even more so, it's successful in engaging the reader in self-reflection, with questions or thought points at the end of each chapter. I'm only on page 47, since I'm digesting this book one bite at a time, and I've already pondered my creative "rituals", my creative fears, goals, how I can carry my creative "pencil" with me so I'm gathering and capturing ideas any old time and is my natural creative perspective deep into details or standing at arms length?
And, as an aside, I love, LOVE the way the book is designed. Simple typeface filling the page, occasional use of large text to make a point, minimalist chapter announcements. It all reads so well, so modern, such a convergence of beauty and simplicity.
Chapter 2 of The Creative Habit
is about knowing yourself as an artist, as in understanding what works for you and why. I love this kind of introspection! I've been journaling a bit, as it helps me process. I'll share these musings, titled "Alone", which emerged from Twyla's discussion on the importance of solitude to the artist so that her art is free to remain truly her own.
"Solitude is an unavoidable part of creativity. Self-reliance is a happy by-product (pg 31)."I love being alone. This is a part of the creative process that exhilarates me. Alone for my thoughts to wonder. Alone with my works in progress. Alone to write. In a big room to dance. When I'm alone there aren't interruptions. I find space which gives away to energy for doing more. Alone I am my own judge. And I can be me and as happy as I like with what I create.
On Mondays, read no blogs. Be alone w/my creative thoughts. When I'm alone the way is clear - no book, color green, new handstitched class.
If you're a thinker-type, I know you'll relish this book. I hope you can find time to enjoy a copy! And now I'm off to be alone this Thursday, since the children are staying over at grandma's house. I'll be working on projects for my new class. First details to come tomorrow!
edited to add: The pincushion here is Anna Maria Horner's design included in her book Seams to Me. I love it!