I would say that a reaction—good or bad, or the intent to 'destroy'—is certainly better than the worst outcome, which is apathy. Though that's sometimes tricky to remember in the moment. Thank you for the comment, Remy.
Creativity can be a gift and a curse. It can cause great pleasure, and great frustration. It’s easiest when we’re children and barely aware that an audience and judgements and feedback await our efforts. It’s hardest when we become a slave to critics, or the approval of others. It’s lonely if we create in secret, denying ourselves constructive feedback that can lead to growth. And it’s saddest if we discard it and quit. Thanks, Charles, you’ve eloquently captured the entire creative journey.
For me there's a balance between creating privately, perhaps in secret, but then sharing at the right moment. Somehow a little of both sides. Thank you for the comment and kind words, John.
"Regardless of the method, you feel creative, explosive, it is a burst of energy that lights your body." YES! This describes the main reason some of us write. At a certain age, there are few pleasures that remain: favorite foods are forbidden, wine disagrees, music disturbs, travel is not an option, sex non-existent, walking slows to a stumble, BUT the creative spirit remains and honestly, sometimes I can be completely blown away by just one poignant sentence I have created, or just one line that is so funny I have to get up and do a little self-congratulatory dance. I always hope someone will react to my work, but my own pleasure is somehow enough. I appreciate it that you wrote this piece in the second person and present tense, Charles. I felt included. If you had chosen first person, it would have had a totally different effect. I know that was your plan. Thank you.
Wonderful piece. Worth several re-readings in the future. I just returned from a 4 day songwriting retreat, where some of these same themes were discussed. For me, the takeaway was that you need to fearlessly access the deeply personal to initiate the process, but at some point there is necessary turning away from the personal, with truth firmly in hand, toward the audience. Everything’s up for reconsideration and editing at that point, with the point being that if your song isn’t reflecting the audience, there won’t be one. The key to the process is in making hard edits, good choices on structure, notes, chordal voicing, melodic and poetic choices that deliver that truth intact, and even magnify it.
What I love about your piece is the precision it brings to describing the internal process of creative work. It seems the process of internal growth and the discipline required to make the work itself good, are complimentary, and take you to a place where the work becomes its own armor, and the artist finds the wherewithal to deliver that truth, fearlessly.
Thanks for the thoughtfulness and wisdom... very much appreciated!
Nice piece.
Of course you can also make it your life purpose to annihilate anyone who dared criticising you. Sounds like a nice pitch for a film.
I once saw a theatre director storm out of another’s play while yelling ‘I write critics in --famous French newspaper-- I will destroy you!’
I would say that a reaction—good or bad, or the intent to 'destroy'—is certainly better than the worst outcome, which is apathy. Though that's sometimes tricky to remember in the moment. Thank you for the comment, Remy.
Creativity can be a gift and a curse. It can cause great pleasure, and great frustration. It’s easiest when we’re children and barely aware that an audience and judgements and feedback await our efforts. It’s hardest when we become a slave to critics, or the approval of others. It’s lonely if we create in secret, denying ourselves constructive feedback that can lead to growth. And it’s saddest if we discard it and quit. Thanks, Charles, you’ve eloquently captured the entire creative journey.
For me there's a balance between creating privately, perhaps in secret, but then sharing at the right moment. Somehow a little of both sides. Thank you for the comment and kind words, John.
"Regardless of the method, you feel creative, explosive, it is a burst of energy that lights your body." YES! This describes the main reason some of us write. At a certain age, there are few pleasures that remain: favorite foods are forbidden, wine disagrees, music disturbs, travel is not an option, sex non-existent, walking slows to a stumble, BUT the creative spirit remains and honestly, sometimes I can be completely blown away by just one poignant sentence I have created, or just one line that is so funny I have to get up and do a little self-congratulatory dance. I always hope someone will react to my work, but my own pleasure is somehow enough. I appreciate it that you wrote this piece in the second person and present tense, Charles. I felt included. If you had chosen first person, it would have had a totally different effect. I know that was your plan. Thank you.
Thank you for the comment and for including your personal thoughts, Sharron. I'm glad to learn that you found the piece meaningful.
Wonderful piece. Worth several re-readings in the future. I just returned from a 4 day songwriting retreat, where some of these same themes were discussed. For me, the takeaway was that you need to fearlessly access the deeply personal to initiate the process, but at some point there is necessary turning away from the personal, with truth firmly in hand, toward the audience. Everything’s up for reconsideration and editing at that point, with the point being that if your song isn’t reflecting the audience, there won’t be one. The key to the process is in making hard edits, good choices on structure, notes, chordal voicing, melodic and poetic choices that deliver that truth intact, and even magnify it.
What I love about your piece is the precision it brings to describing the internal process of creative work. It seems the process of internal growth and the discipline required to make the work itself good, are complimentary, and take you to a place where the work becomes its own armor, and the artist finds the wherewithal to deliver that truth, fearlessly.
Thanks for the thoughtfulness and wisdom... very much appreciated!