FWIW, I've found that reading books that are really strong works of literature in and of themselves to be a lot more impactful than reading about making art or creativity. The thing I've experienced is that while a lot of those books have great information, they just aren't that well written, and experiencing great art beats reading about how to make it! A few older, shorter novels I've read recently that may resonate are Stoner (John Williams) and The Plains by Gerald Murane. Both have the creative process and its ups and downs baked into the plot, as well as much more.
Finally, I think creative work has seasons. At least for me. I've tried to give up on being upset when I feel stuck and just know that like a storm, it will pass. I try to not to put too much judgment on it and keep faith in my passion for the medium.
You're welcome. I'd add, if you're really up for a project I would highly recommend Septology by Jon Fosse. It is the most impactful novel I've ever read, by a long shot, and the process of art making is again, a key part of it. It's just, it's like 700 pages so it's not a casual recommendation. As the cliche goes though, it's one piece of art that changed my life.
Ohhhh! I like this approach! Thank you for sharing.
The best book I’ve read in the past couple of years is a compilation of profiles of New Yorkers in the early-to-mid-20th Century by Joseph Mitchell called “Up in the Old Hotel.” Totally inspires me - IDK why.
I second this!!! I am purposefully reading it slowly. I've only started it and already have put it down several times to let his observations marinate in my brain for a bit. I have never approached a book like this, but his book has inspired me to do just that.
I really enjoyed reading The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin. A lot of wisdom and food for thought in there. You would love it (if you haven‘t read it yet).
For me taking a walk is very helpful when I am stuck. When my body is moving, my creative juices seem to move better as well.
But also, photo books. Reading in them and looking at the photos really inspires me.
I loved your writing and to see how you were able to cheer yourself up!
As a writer I have so many subjects that obsess me that I am almost never uninspired. I can however become mentally exhausted. Then I take a break from anything without a strict deadline, read for pleasure, do other things.
I'm reading Sally Mann's wonderful memoir "Hold Still" and finding creative inspiration in it. Her devotion to her craft is admirable and she's also a surprisingly good writer!
I thought someone would have mentioned Julia Cameron? The Artists Way being her 1st major book about creativity in general, and how to manage it.
I atm keep dipping into her 'The right to write' which reads beautifully conjuring up 'images' - this one just helps me write, but I love all her work.
Anyhow, she has many books about creativity and blocks
Well she's written 30 books in all, so I'm still discovering them!
just read her memoir 'Floor Sample' which is very good, interesting that it's not written in her 'typical' writing creative ones?, but I guess that would be difficult as a memoir
Glad to see I’m not alone in my creative paralysis. The phone has become a distraction that provides escape from tedium, complex problems, situations, thoughts. Going to follow your lead and force myself to eschew digital books for old fashioned, printed books that have covers. Also Instagram has become a less than satisfying experience, so starting to move away from it —- as well as several social media platforms. Need to be a better “curator” of online content.
While I agree with the intent of the Chuck Close quote, I always get tripped up by the first line. I think approaching everything like a perpetual amateur is actually more in line with what he’s saying and doesn’t have the snobby subtext of “pros know”.
Engaging in creation is what sparks creation. Experiences prime us for the actions of creation but only putting those experiences into action stretches a tight muscle.
As far as running and other forms of regime or routine, I do think there are analogs between them and creative practice but I never like anything that assumes there needs to be pain for gain.
FWIW, I've found that reading books that are really strong works of literature in and of themselves to be a lot more impactful than reading about making art or creativity. The thing I've experienced is that while a lot of those books have great information, they just aren't that well written, and experiencing great art beats reading about how to make it! A few older, shorter novels I've read recently that may resonate are Stoner (John Williams) and The Plains by Gerald Murane. Both have the creative process and its ups and downs baked into the plot, as well as much more.
Finally, I think creative work has seasons. At least for me. I've tried to give up on being upset when I feel stuck and just know that like a storm, it will pass. I try to not to put too much judgment on it and keep faith in my passion for the medium.
Excellent advice, Peter. Thanks. I always hear people raving about Stoner. A friend gave me her copy a few years ago; I'll dig it out. Cheers!
You're welcome. I'd add, if you're really up for a project I would highly recommend Septology by Jon Fosse. It is the most impactful novel I've ever read, by a long shot, and the process of art making is again, a key part of it. It's just, it's like 700 pages so it's not a casual recommendation. As the cliche goes though, it's one piece of art that changed my life.
That's a good tip. I read about the Fosse books a while back. You're right, though, that's a commitment!
Ohhhh! I like this approach! Thank you for sharing.
The best book I’ve read in the past couple of years is a compilation of profiles of New Yorkers in the early-to-mid-20th Century by Joseph Mitchell called “Up in the Old Hotel.” Totally inspires me - IDK why.
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2012/jul/01/joseph-mitchell-up-in-old-hotel
I also highly recommend Led Zeppelin. Loud.
How very timely your post is today as I wonder WHY it is that I continue to do what i do.
Just keep swimming! Thank you.
I am old. 76. No longer get stuck just sleepy
You walk out the door (with a camera)...
My book recommendation is The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin
I haven’t read the entire book, but I plan to. I’ve seen several really good excerpts that make me want to read it!
Great post. Thank you for your recommendations.
I second this!!! I am purposefully reading it slowly. I've only started it and already have put it down several times to let his observations marinate in my brain for a bit. I have never approached a book like this, but his book has inspired me to do just that.
I really enjoyed reading The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin. A lot of wisdom and food for thought in there. You would love it (if you haven‘t read it yet).
For me taking a walk is very helpful when I am stuck. When my body is moving, my creative juices seem to move better as well.
But also, photo books. Reading in them and looking at the photos really inspires me.
I loved your writing and to see how you were able to cheer yourself up!
That's on my list. Thanks for the reminder, Susanne!
As a writer I have so many subjects that obsess me that I am almost never uninspired. I can however become mentally exhausted. Then I take a break from anything without a strict deadline, read for pleasure, do other things.
That's a good distinction, David. Thanks for the note. I hope you're well!
your newsletter is one of the most refreshing newsletters ever! Love the vibe <3
You just made my day, Spooky. Thanks so much. Seriously. Be well!
Keep up with your amazing work ✨
🙏📸
I'm reading Sally Mann's wonderful memoir "Hold Still" and finding creative inspiration in it. Her devotion to her craft is admirable and she's also a surprisingly good writer!
I still need to read this!
I do enjoy the milk one. It’s like a homemade pissing fountain ⛲️
I thought someone would have mentioned Julia Cameron? The Artists Way being her 1st major book about creativity in general, and how to manage it.
I atm keep dipping into her 'The right to write' which reads beautifully conjuring up 'images' - this one just helps me write, but I love all her work.
Anyhow, she has many books about creativity and blocks
I hear about The Artist's Way all the time and I've never read it. It's probably time to change that. Thank you, Sally!
Well she's written 30 books in all, so I'm still discovering them!
just read her memoir 'Floor Sample' which is very good, interesting that it's not written in her 'typical' writing creative ones?, but I guess that would be difficult as a memoir
Thanks Andy – I needed this, and I'm sure many others did, too 🙌
🙏📸
Glad to see I’m not alone in my creative paralysis. The phone has become a distraction that provides escape from tedium, complex problems, situations, thoughts. Going to follow your lead and force myself to eschew digital books for old fashioned, printed books that have covers. Also Instagram has become a less than satisfying experience, so starting to move away from it —- as well as several social media platforms. Need to be a better “curator” of online content.
While I agree with the intent of the Chuck Close quote, I always get tripped up by the first line. I think approaching everything like a perpetual amateur is actually more in line with what he’s saying and doesn’t have the snobby subtext of “pros know”.
Engaging in creation is what sparks creation. Experiences prime us for the actions of creation but only putting those experiences into action stretches a tight muscle.
As far as running and other forms of regime or routine, I do think there are analogs between them and creative practice but I never like anything that assumes there needs to be pain for gain.
Well said, David. Thanks.
I can relate and thus I love this so much! I actually wrote about getting unstuck last week and so much aligns with what you are saying: https://miaq.substack.com/p/the-next-first-step
Thanks, Mia. Looking forward to reading! It's always so nice to hear from you ;)