Dears, It's Wednesday, and I have process on my mind. Over the past few days, I've had a bit more time to spend in the studio, actually making things. My process has certainly evolved over the last few years: although I may not have studio time every single day, I find that keeping an inspiration journal-- a repository for what's in my mind and what wants to come to life in the studio-- has been of paramount importance to my process. Also, I let myself make a mess, both literally (my husband will attest to this, trust me) and figuratively. I mean that I give myself complete freedom to explore an idea without regard for its value. In fact, a lot of the time, I make things that just lead to different pieces and the original idea gets pasted into my journal or becomes the background for something else. I think this freedom is important. Sometimes, I worry about whether people will think my creations are crazy or horse-s**t or whatever, but most of the time, I just go with it.
If you've been reading for a while (or you know me at all in *real* life), you may know of my deep admiration for David Byrne. He is a true inspiration for living a inspired, awake, and fully participatory life. One of my regular online reads is David Byrne's blog. His entries are thoughtful, thought-provoking, and eloquent.
A weeks ago, he addressed the topic of criticism in a post. I found his thoughts on the topic to be realistic and positive. I found the following lines particularly helpful to my own process: "While taking criticism on board can be constructive, it can also be detrimental to the creative process if it’s considered while that process is still under way. It undermines one’s enthusiasm and will — which is OK, beneficial even, but only after a tour (for example) is over."
{I encourage you to read the whole post right here.}
One thing that worries me about criticism is that so much of it relates to marketability or commercial success... in both directions, and this could have the effect of stifling creativity.
What do you think?
peace. & LOVE.
k
