Things are getting more and more eccentric at Casa de la Swain. Changing styles in my textile work, falling in love again with painting and photography...and then there is the ever illusive quest for continuing creativity through working with Eric Maisel. Still on the road teaching, posting now at the Ragged Cloth Cafe and taking the pledge to keep handmaiden up to date.

Wednesday, December 21, 2005

Twyla Tharp's The Creative Habit

Like Deb ,I am also reading this book. Bought it yesterday as a Christmas present to myself....since we all know Sweet Ronnie would never think of this one. I intend to read the book through completely before starting any of the exercises. Not sure why but this seems to be the feeling I am getting from what I have read. What I am struck by is how similiar her writing is to the way I work. Please don't think that I am comparing myself in any way to Twyla Tharp, yousers would that be arrogant. What I am referring to is the way she speaks of creativity and working.
That it is a discipline that must be maintained everyday.
A creative life is one that involves being prepared and ready for the work....not an occasional doing something every once and awhile but everyday. You don't have to compose a masterpiece every day...in fact a masterpiece might take a year...a tidbit quiltmakers might learn something from. Within each work of creativity there are going to be some serious failures....so what. Get back to work.
I realize most of you make art as a creative outlet and have no desire to be professional artist/quiltmakers. However, there are some of you I know that are pursuing this path. Go for it...what can be the worse that happens, you have a lot of great work for yourself or you become the hottest thing in the market.....both have their pitfalls. The important thing is talent is not the be all and end all....it is discipline. I think that is why this book resonates with me so strongly.
I am a self-trained artist. I did take Michael James color class in 1985, and in the early '90's took two graduate level art class...basically studio classes but that is the extent of my training.
Admitedly, I was born with the gift of drawing but if I had done nothing with it what would have been the point.
Nattering on again when I just wanted to highly recommend this book no matter what stage you are in on your creative journey. No offense but it is much more enlightening and easier to work than "The Artist's Way," just MHO.
Happy Holidays...Santa's on the way.
Sidebar: Lest you think Sweet Ronnie is going to give me the Christmas present no one wants...he is having new speakers put in my car....Rock On!

6 comments:

Val said...

Oh with new speakers in your car you'll definitely need the Bon Jovi album 'Have a Nice Day'. I'm so tempted to go and see them in London in the summer at Wembley Stadium! Oh I wish!
And that's another book you've got me into! Amazon here I come......

Gerrie said...

Gabrielle:

I allways love to hear that super talented artists like you were self-trained. Gives one hope and confidence!!

Hope you have many merry days this week.

Coyote said...

All I can say on being ready to create has already been said:

"Many people die with their music still in them. Why is this so? Too often it is because they are always getting ready to live. Before they know it, time runs out."
-Oliver Wendell Holmes-

New Speakers! *strokes beard* Well now I don't feel so bad about only getting you Hotel soap.

gabrielle said...

Dearest darling son of my Christmas fairy daughter in law....to quote Mick Jagger, " Time is on my side." Dancing as fast as I can, your favorite mum.

Coyote said...

Perhaps it is indeed on your side, and I hope all ours, however that being said remember also:

"Lose your dreams and you might lose your mind"
-Mick Jagger-

gabrielle said...

Again, please pardon the dialogue between my beloved son and his over-educated mother:
Right back at you sweetheart...
"When we are no longer children, we are already dead." Constantin Brancusi

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