Solitude and writing as part of the art process
Twyla Tharp, one of America's greatest choreographers, wrote in "The Creative Habit" about building up a tolerance for solitude. "Solitude is an unavoidable part of creativity." After all, creativity is about expressing those deep murmurings and one can only access them by being quiet and not distracted. Yes, it's more fun to work in community (and that has its place too) however, being alone with yourself is when our real voice is heard. Of course it can be terrifying, depending on how you respond to it. "Alone is a fact, a condition where no one else is around. Lonely is how you feel about that." says Tharp.
I have been trying to build up a tolerance for solitude while seeing it as a gift in time when I am able to go into my studio and befriend my inner voice instead of being afraid of it. This is allowing me to start writing in my sketchbook....stream of consciousness writing, writing that is like a pathway to my painting. Sometimes, I don't paint at all, but just write. That is all part of the art process and I have recently started to encourage my students to do the same. Why not try it and tell me what you think? Id love to hear from you.
We will be exploring some of these ideas in the all day November 4th workshop. Im inviting you to join me on the art process journey...
