I saw this book recommended in one of the many fiber art magazines I have been perusing for my independent study. I think it's exactly what I need, as you may have guessed from the lack of finished work being shared here!
The idea is that making great art takes discipline. It includes exercises for getting yourself out of a rut, and the layout itself is a joy. I think it's interesting that it is applicable for all fields of art but is written by a choreographer. Should be good to see creating from a little different perspective.
Thought you might like it, so check it out. You can view some pages inside on amazon if you click on the title link, I believe.
I only read the brief outline of the book, but I think the idea makes sense. I think understanding what makes you tick as an artist is essential, especially after college. I personally have had to come to grips with the fact that I am not going to produce at every week. I work better in bursts. But it is also very easy for me to not paint until I feel this over-whelming emotional need to make something. I am not going to judge the book before reading it, but I want to caution you that not everyone's' way of finding creativity is the same.
ReplyDeleteAnyhow, I am looking forward to seeing you independent study progress as it's posted. ;)
yea that's a debate i've been having with myself for awhile. i read a book by madeleine l'engle about creativity and she really encouraged discipline as well. and we've been reading seven habits of a highly effective person which of course is all about discipline. i struggle with wanting to be more disciplined but also feeling the guilt that comes when i'm not disciplined drowns out the creative spurts on a bad day. sigh. maybe its just that the creative spirit tends to be sooo undisciplined that we need to impose it upon ourselves in order to procure growth?
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Julia that we all have to find our way and it doesn't work the same way for everyone, and that's ok.
ReplyDeleteReading this book though (I devoured it whole over the weekend) felt like it was meant for me since I've let the pressure to have a good finished product keep me from making things. Which is debilitating and depressing and dangerous! Her suggestions for getting into a routine and ways to think about how you think when making art and getting ideas are quite helpful to me right now. Might not be always, but for now it's right. I think discipline is a particularly helpful habit for when (yes when!) we achieve our goal of being paid artists and have to produce something on command for a commission.
Also agree Adel that I have the tendency to be so disorganized with my art that I need something to keep me on track!