I had the pleasure of discussing the origins and manifestations of creative inspiration with a friend today, spurred by this Georgia O'Keefe quote. Let me start there...
My friend wrote: This is pretty close .. but I would add the best expression comes when there is an agreement between me and the elements that come together to create something else. First we agree the new idea is worthy of the destruction of what is at hand then the energy of the participants agree to merge.. and work together to execute a new form .. that's when every stitch, cut and knot falls into the perfect position the first time. When this is not present.. the effort is pretty close to drudgery.
Asking me what I thought, I responded: When I write, it's very different and, yet, maybe a little similar. I can't just sit down to write. I have to wait for a story to appear to me. Then, I type. Like Bradbury said, it's like taking dictation. When I let it just flow, I read back later and have no memory of the writing. No idea where many of the stories came from. And my characters let me know when I try to force them to do or say something they are not meant to do or say.
WAB: "I think it will be interesting to notice as time goes on if it's possible to will the properly energetic equation or if it is necessary to allow the agreement to come to pass. Do we bring past knowledge into this present state or perhaps we are gifted by our muses? Any and all seem possible.
Me: All good questions. I definitely feel that this is a soul-driven process and, as such, ego interferes when pressed. For me, my best work takes place, whether drawing or sewing or writing, if I get out of the way and let Soul have it's say.
And that is exactly what writing is for me... a soul-driven process. I cannot make it happen. I cannot will it to happen. And, if I do not listen when my Soul speaks, I lose the words. I can't find them again later, no matter how hard I try to pick up the pieces, even though I remember the story line. Soul dictates and I type. Characters have voices all their own and will nag me senseless if I deviate from what they want to say. Stories go where I least expect them, surprising me with twists and turns. "Walk on" characters appear and alter the course of the story, sometimes just a little, other times quite significantly. Hours pass as I type, mindlessly as the story unfolds in my subconscious, and I am often amazed at what I have created. More than once, I wondered where it really came from. Soul tells stories; I write them down.
If I listen and let Soul do the writing, it is always an adventure. And like O'Keefe, Soul writes of things I have no words for.
My friend wrote: This is pretty close .. but I would add the best expression comes when there is an agreement between me and the elements that come together to create something else. First we agree the new idea is worthy of the destruction of what is at hand then the energy of the participants agree to merge.. and work together to execute a new form .. that's when every stitch, cut and knot falls into the perfect position the first time. When this is not present.. the effort is pretty close to drudgery.
Asking me what I thought, I responded: When I write, it's very different and, yet, maybe a little similar. I can't just sit down to write. I have to wait for a story to appear to me. Then, I type. Like Bradbury said, it's like taking dictation. When I let it just flow, I read back later and have no memory of the writing. No idea where many of the stories came from. And my characters let me know when I try to force them to do or say something they are not meant to do or say.
WAB: "I think it will be interesting to notice as time goes on if it's possible to will the properly energetic equation or if it is necessary to allow the agreement to come to pass. Do we bring past knowledge into this present state or perhaps we are gifted by our muses? Any and all seem possible.
Me: All good questions. I definitely feel that this is a soul-driven process and, as such, ego interferes when pressed. For me, my best work takes place, whether drawing or sewing or writing, if I get out of the way and let Soul have it's say.
And that is exactly what writing is for me... a soul-driven process. I cannot make it happen. I cannot will it to happen. And, if I do not listen when my Soul speaks, I lose the words. I can't find them again later, no matter how hard I try to pick up the pieces, even though I remember the story line. Soul dictates and I type. Characters have voices all their own and will nag me senseless if I deviate from what they want to say. Stories go where I least expect them, surprising me with twists and turns. "Walk on" characters appear and alter the course of the story, sometimes just a little, other times quite significantly. Hours pass as I type, mindlessly as the story unfolds in my subconscious, and I am often amazed at what I have created. More than once, I wondered where it really came from. Soul tells stories; I write them down.
If I listen and let Soul do the writing, it is always an adventure. And like O'Keefe, Soul writes of things I have no words for.
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