How do you stay creative?
On artmaking, attention, and how we see the world
Hey friends, how is everyone doing out there?
I don’t know about you, but I’m drained. Sometimes the news headlines are too much to bear, and all of this madness with Minneapolis, Greenland, and the rest is getting me down. I don’t mean to be a bummer, but I appreciate that I can share my feelings with you without having to sugarcoat things. I know many of you can relate.
Today, I’m thinking about creativity, how we keep it alive between projects, and how it can get us through tough times. Making stuff is good for you, right?
Last weekend, I finished Art & Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking by David Bayles and Ted Orland, a book I’ve owned for years but never opened. I also read Brian Eno's What Art Does: An Unfinished Theory. Both books are helping me focus on what matters, and I recommend them if you haven’t read them yet. I especially liked this passage from Art & Fear:
They’re right — when we notice the world and recreate it, it changes how we see everything. Lately, paying attention feels more crucial than ever. I watched a video this morning that reminded me that photography is a daily practice and something we need to keep doing, one day at a time:
I plan to read more books about art making and the creative life. Are there other titles you’d recommend? Thanks in advance for sending suggestions!
Speaking of inspiration…
We had an amazing time at Randall Berndt’s STORIES book launch last Saturday — thanks again to everyone for coming out! More than 100 people joined us for a lively conversation about Randall’s artwork and inspirations. It was so much fun and a real shot in the arm.
Special thanks to the entire Arts + Literature Laboratory team for their endless support in making this exhibition and book talk a success. Thanks also to the Wisconsin Book Festival and Abel Contemporary Gallery for their partnership and support. We couldn’t have done this without you.
Randall’s book, STORIES: Words & Images, is available now, and I would love to get more copies of his beautiful work circulating in the world. Please let me know if you’re interested in buying a copy, and I can connect you with Randall.
Our STORIES exhibition will be on view in Madison through February 21, 2026. Please come to Madison and see it when you can. These are gorgeous works that should be experienced in person. That’s all for now. Have a great week!
Two recommendations: The Creative Act by Rick Rubin and Outside Lies Magic: Regaining History and Awareness in Everyday Places by John Stilgoe. I also recommend watching an old 60 Minutes interview with John Stilgoe. It is on Youtube. Great stuff. Thanks for your recommendations and ideas.
I do these things almost daily. I collect ideas and imagery from others. I save these to a scrapbook that I constantly pursue. I make art everyday. Taking photos and processing them. I try to keep my workroom and my computer hard drive organized. If my rational mind fails to inspire me, I go through the trash or look for detritus on the land. I am constantly finding something that inspires me. I read. Sometimes, as E. M. Forester suggested I just set down on an ant hill and begin. At other times I move the pencil on the paper or cursor in Photoshop. Most importantly, I do art for myself and my own sanity. I have no audience and expect none.