The fog has been clearing, colours are brightening, and I've been getting back to my creative work. I'm sliding comfortably into some of my previous habits, but I've been opening up new realms in the process, too. After having a brush with cancer, along with other health issues, and making a career decision to pursue further education, it has become clear: music and writing are my lifelines, I must be immersed in them. And not only in the creating part, actually, more in the enjoyment and soaking up part. For, the music and words of others are my food, and only when I am full do I have enough material to spill over into my creating process.
I was reading on this blog that a good rule for writers is to read four times as much as they write. That seems like a lot, but not when I remember my childhood and teen years: I had a book with me wherever I went, and read in the in-between moments, and read myself to sleep every night. It's kind of exciting to think of all the books and authors I haven't read yet, that I will discover. So, I've been getting back into that, and with music, too, getting into new-to-me artists like Robert Johnson, El Perro del Mar, and Edith Piaf, and learning old blues riffs and chord progressions on the guitar.
So, for anyone reading, what are your favourite authors, musicians, films/directors who feed your life, your imagination, and your art?
Hi Cora,
ReplyDeleteYou must look up Django Rhineheart(sp). He was the ultimate best with Gypsy Guitar. I recently went to see "The Lost Fingers". Three musicians from Quebec who play in the Django style. There is a rumour that Johnny Depp will play Django in the future. Check out the song "Minor Swing." It's the one that Johnny played in "Chocolat".
I enjoyed reading this blog ;-)
cool, thanks Jo-Anne, I will check him out for sure! I haven't seen Chocolat yet, but need to as I enjoyed the book! And thanks for reading...
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder to feed ourselves. I often find myself in a little bubble of my own self/art and forget to partake of the fruit of other artists. But when I do it can be invigorating! In fact, a year or so ago I had an intern, who was also a musician, work beside me for eight months. Having another artist in my life-space was life-changing. I felt like I had been in hibernation for years and I was beginning to enjoy spring again. So, I guess being around other artists can actually be a way to get fed too.
ReplyDeleteA writer who feeds me is Henri Nouwen. It isn't so much his style of writing, but who he was and how he approached life that inspires me to write. I'm not great at going out of my way to find music I like. Maybe I'm just lazy. But I have been moved by Aaron Strumpel's music quite a bit.
Sarah, I really agree about being around other creatives/artists. Sounds like you had a good experience with a fellow-artist! I was just at my songwriter's group on Monday, and realizing how I need those kinds of groups, I need to be among my "tribe" or my creative family on a regular basis!
ReplyDeleteI just looked up Henri Nouwen, very interesting. My husband is a fan of Aaron Strumpel's music, too. Oh, and I doubt you're lazy! I find it hard sometimes to discover new music...(although I love browsing on i-tunes) but sometimes even just putting on an old favourite and chilling out is what I love.
i love that photo so much! i clicked to enlarge and stared at it and the pretty colours for a while...
ReplyDeleteso nice to see you finding an outlet in music and writing. that you're accepting its role in your life. as for the best way to write, from my many conversations with writers (both professional and those who do it on the side) have many different ways of getting the creative juices flowing - basically the constant thread is one aspect of discipline. i'm not sure if reading four times as much as you write is the magic key, do what feels right, but from experience it's just making sure you incorporate some kind of routine, ritual or disciplined act to keep you focused on your art, even if some days it comes out all wrong or in the form of just three words or a few music notes. good luck!
and by the way, a little message to the visitor you had from me:
Hey Cancer, FUCK YOU!
that used to make my mom giggle every time i said it in a "cousin Vinnie" kind of voice. :) xo
Camille,
ReplyDeleteha ha! your little message makes me laugh too!! :)
the idea of the constant thread is something I have been coming across lately, hearing it again just kind of confirms that for me. I guess that's the idea behind blogging, hey? to just do it.
As for the picture, thanks! I have to give credit where credit is due, my husband took that at christmas-time, he's a photographer and he can really capture moods!