It brings to mind Heidegger’s “Holzwege,” where paths that seem aimless actually reveal the need for discipline to enable real freedom. Your take on balancing creativity with self-discipline is refreshing and insightful, offering a great reminder that structure doesn’t limit, but rather enhances, artistic freedom
Thanks for writing. That Heidegger is a philosopher is about all I know about him. Thanks for pointing me toward that flag. I really like the visual reference of the word Holzwege as an overgrown path in the forest that may lead to a forgotten nowhere.
Thank you Cecil. This is exactly what I needed to read this morning as I try to "stay the course" on one particular project, and not stray off onto my next crrative whim prematurely. Very timely indeed.
Self discipline is something I've wrestled with in most aspects of my life yet eventually and before whatever deadlines (those imposed on me externally and ones I give myself) are there.......things get done to my satisfaction. Reading the articles.....I thought about another (or related perhaps?) paradox of the "Less is More" thing that has worked for me regarding seeing how limits actually forces me to work through them and think beyond in order to create a better piece. For example.......I've often fantasized driving cross country in an 18-Wheeler, going to every thrift/junk store along the way purchasing as much junk/stuff for my art (mixed media assemblage). But if that dream came true, I'd be overwhelmed with junk and would not know where to start as having EVERYTHING my heart desires to make art with would overwhelm me to the point of not creating anything. So, Less is More in that as I look around the studio and at all the junk I do have in there to make my art with, it is limited for sure and given enough time, I will push through and as my mind opens up and isn't bogged down, something happens to show me the way that I can use items in a new and different way. I don't think I'm describing the process very well here.......but it is a form of Self-Discipline for me as I am steered clear of cliches' and find ways to express meaning into a piece.
yes, a lot of the time, maybe all of the time, an over abundance of options can cause an artist to come to a stop from indecision or being overwhelmed. I have massive amounts of materials to work with but I keep them all out of sight so that they are like a new discovery when I am ready to change directions. Otherwise I forget about them and they are not calling to me like sea nymphs.
Your article here has the perfect timing for some ideas on art and artists I've had in the past couple of days. A great deal of food for thought. And I'm always happy for references to Stravinsky.
In other news, I was just taking a look at the CC Magazine Awards and saw you on the panel. Have fun working through all the goodness!
Thank you for your thoughtful piece, Cecil.
It brings to mind Heidegger’s “Holzwege,” where paths that seem aimless actually reveal the need for discipline to enable real freedom. Your take on balancing creativity with self-discipline is refreshing and insightful, offering a great reminder that structure doesn’t limit, but rather enhances, artistic freedom
Thanks for writing. That Heidegger is a philosopher is about all I know about him. Thanks for pointing me toward that flag. I really like the visual reference of the word Holzwege as an overgrown path in the forest that may lead to a forgotten nowhere.
Thank you Cecil. This is exactly what I needed to read this morning as I try to "stay the course" on one particular project, and not stray off onto my next crrative whim prematurely. Very timely indeed.
All right! Onward through the fog!
Self discipline is something I've wrestled with in most aspects of my life yet eventually and before whatever deadlines (those imposed on me externally and ones I give myself) are there.......things get done to my satisfaction. Reading the articles.....I thought about another (or related perhaps?) paradox of the "Less is More" thing that has worked for me regarding seeing how limits actually forces me to work through them and think beyond in order to create a better piece. For example.......I've often fantasized driving cross country in an 18-Wheeler, going to every thrift/junk store along the way purchasing as much junk/stuff for my art (mixed media assemblage). But if that dream came true, I'd be overwhelmed with junk and would not know where to start as having EVERYTHING my heart desires to make art with would overwhelm me to the point of not creating anything. So, Less is More in that as I look around the studio and at all the junk I do have in there to make my art with, it is limited for sure and given enough time, I will push through and as my mind opens up and isn't bogged down, something happens to show me the way that I can use items in a new and different way. I don't think I'm describing the process very well here.......but it is a form of Self-Discipline for me as I am steered clear of cliches' and find ways to express meaning into a piece.
yes, a lot of the time, maybe all of the time, an over abundance of options can cause an artist to come to a stop from indecision or being overwhelmed. I have massive amounts of materials to work with but I keep them all out of sight so that they are like a new discovery when I am ready to change directions. Otherwise I forget about them and they are not calling to me like sea nymphs.
Your article here has the perfect timing for some ideas on art and artists I've had in the past couple of days. A great deal of food for thought. And I'm always happy for references to Stravinsky.
In other news, I was just taking a look at the CC Magazine Awards and saw you on the panel. Have fun working through all the goodness!
Thanks Martin. Yes, that was a lot of work as panelist. huge number of entries.