Miranda Whitlock: August 2010

This summer has been consumed by landscaping, weddings, reunion's and every crisis imaginable and unimaginable. Needless to say all that stress has led to a horrible lack of creativity. Just as I have often wished for the existence of an artist fairy that comes and takes failed projects away while you sleep in a slightly drunken stupor (thus ensuring no one, including yourself has to witness your failed attempt at greatness) I often wish these same fairies brought seeds of creativity; ideas worthy of genius they willingly implant in your receptive ears while you are in that same slightly drunken stupor.

For myself, as well as every other artist/writer/musician I know, the worst thing that can happen to you is to have nothing to create, no idea, no spark. Nothing but that panicked feeling that consumes you and is ever growing in mass. You are doing nothing worth doing. Your washed up, in a rut. You have no ideas, and the ones you do have, you mention to no one due to the fact they are lacking in innovation to the point of humiliation.

As this pretty much summarizes my summer I thought it wise to take a time out, remember wise words for just such situations and with summer coming to an end get a jump start on having a more creatively productive and mentally healthy fall.

The best piece of creative advice I ever got during such a situation came from a very talented artist I happened to be studying Tai Chi under. I had a very important exhibit coming up with two other artists and as the fates would have it had no idea what to make or not make. Being not only a very wise man, but a very kind man, one night after practicing our movements he told me;

"All the great works of art you will ever create in your lifetime already exist inside you. It is only a matter of being open enough to allow them to come through."

Just like Bukowski's motto, "don't try," it hit me with a moment of clarity. How blessedly simple it really could all be. Now I just had to learn how to be open, such is life. Ultimately it is a journey. We are as Van Gogh said, all pilgrims on a pilgrimage.

In the mean time, at moments when those gifts from the art gods are not forth coming, I have collected a few tips and tricks along my "pilgrimage" from fellow artists/musicians/writers that seem to keep one from slipping into the violent ugliness of the creative void.

1. Oblique Strategies - One Hundred Worthwhile Dilemma's
Created by the talented Brian Eno and Peter Schmidt I was first introduced to these wonderful cards by a professor when I had a moment of doubt in regards to a project I was working on for his class. It's a simple process, draw card, follow directions, no matter what the directions. It might seem slightly superstitious, but these cards quickly became a staple for the entire department.

2. "Walk, then work." - Degas
For centuries walking has played an important part in the creative process. Like poems, walks are unique moments loaded with introspective opportunities and endless sensory experiences.

3. Shower
It might seem odd, but if I had a dollar for every creative person I know who gets their best ideas in the shower I could buy myself a pony. Well maybe not a real one, but a really good smallish replica. I'm not suggesting you stand in the shower until hypothermia has set in, but perhaps just pay close attention while your in there.

4. Go for a drive
This one is tried and true by yours personally. But you must understand something very important about trying this method. It can't be just any drive. It generally requires the cover of night, a cup of coffee and excellent tunes. It also helps if you set out with no destination. I once drove 5 hours for a cup of coffee, but hey what can I say, it worked. A good adventure never hurt anyone.

5. Write something, anything, everyday
Another great professor I studied under reminded me of the importance of writing, about anything, as long as your writing something everyday. His philosophy includes the need for artist's to clear their heads. A cynic at heart, much like myself, he believes writing provides a means of purging ourselves of the mind numbing garbage we acquire as a result of our society. A quieting if you will, a way to clear our heads in order to have moments of questioning that are so important for making good art.

6. Read
I once heard a highly successful song-writer say he spends the first 4 hours of everyday drinking coffee and reading a book. Not only did it boast his vocabulary, but he found all sorts of experiences to write songs about, none of which he had personally experienced. Now generally I believe in making art based on the reality which one participates in, but I also strongly agree that the books we've read, I mean really great books, shape our perspectives. (I've never been the same sense my torrent love affair with Kerouac.) Many great artists have used literature and poems as starting points for really great work, especially Whitman. One can never get enough Whitman.