There are two ways I create, one is on a deadline and the other is free form with no particular purpose. I have learned over time that the sounds around me make a difference to how successful I am at both of these. I usually have the radio playing or my IPOD is playing.
When I am on a deadline, meaning I need to finish some artworks for a show, then I listen to NPR. I know, talk radio? It keeps me grounded, and is calm enough to keep me on task and helps me be more methodical. Of course it does have its risks, sometimes the program is so interesting, that you stop working to listen. If I am worried about that then it time to listen to either slow jazz or Classical music. I often wonder how many people use music or sound to motivate and influence their work. I will tend to get scattered and forget stuff if I am trying to hurry, so slowing down and paying more attention works for me.
Now when I am just playing around and experimenting, which I wish happened more often, is when I play music. Anything will do but the more up tempo the better. Recently one of my new favorite songs in Rolling in the Deep by Adele. That girl can SING! The up temp music gets me in a groove that says, no rules! Do what you want, it is all good. I will admit, that sometimes this creative jaunt involves dancing around, sometimes just chair dancin’ but other times, it is full on spinnin’ around the room!
I have often thought that I should just name my artworks after whatever I was listening to when they were created. Some would have names like, Radio Lab or Wait, Wait don’t tell me or Jar of Hearts, I found a boy or Revival. Now that would give them more punch and probably cause quite the conversation to ensue when explaining the names. What kind of Music do you listen to when your feeling creative?
Now for some craftivity!
Have you ever etched on Metal? Me either. But, I found this video by the ever wonderful Sherri Haab on how to etch metal. I know people who have done the etching, using their own calligraphy as the base and copying it to create the template for etching. It is definitely on my list of to do’s.
If you like to watch artist as they create, this is a great video I found. He is creating a filigree bracelet to music and I could not stop watching.
