...nwood...

LeCavalierInspirations, a 1997 film by Michael Apted (49UP), is an examination of
the creative process through conversations with accomplished artists
working in a variety of mediums. Apted constructs a montage
representing the creative moment. He incorporates the the tempered
modesty of Roy Lichtenstein (painter, pop artist), the passion of
Louise LeCavalier (dancer), the soulful and spiritualism of Nora
Naranjo-Morse (sculptor), the philosophy of Edouard Lock
(choreographer), the cool post modernism of David Bowie (musician,
painter), the reverence and contemplation of Tadao Ando (architect)
and the wild genius of Dale Chihuly (glassblower). Chihuly advises
people with and interest in art to spend time with gifted
artists - notice how they fold their laundry, soak up their energy.
This film is the next best thing to art camp. And it can be done in
the comfort of your own home on a foggy evening with the heater
cranked and a cold Belgian ale within easy reach.

In an effort to channel some of this energy, I'd like to offer my own
montage of (very liberally) paraphrased ideas from Inspirations:

David Bowie: Don't play to the gallery. Remember why you started
working. It was because of something inside of you. You get
into trouble when you start trying to meet other's expectations.

Tadao Ando: I need to maintain a level of anxiety in my work. If there
is no fear the work won't go anywhere. However the challenge should
not be overwhelming. Conversely, the artist should have fun, but not
too much fun...this is all a balance.

Edouard Lock: There are two basic types of theater: Charismatic theater
presents a protagonist who rises above problems and conquers
them. This can be mildly interesting. Empathetic theater presents a
protagonist with a problem to solve and no guarantee that
they will succeed. It is risk in art that creates the passionate
connection with the audience - they have all experienced failure.

Nora Naranjo-Morse: I may start with an idea...but I need to allow for
changes. I need to adjust to whatever takes place. I need to remember
that I'm not in control. The material has it's own mind. I am just a
tool.

Edouard Lock: Creation is putting oneself in the position to
listen. New information changes our relationship to the ideas we began
with.