an interview with artist Ruth Shafer about "sticky, intimate feelings" in art and the therapeutic value of tedious work, plus a brain warming pattern practice
this conversation is reminding me that my friend Emily talked about this, too--for her it was influenced by watching musicians in her family as they warmed up. so maybe this is really something we need to get better at stealing from other art forms! ;)
Isn't it amazing?! And what I really loved, when Ruth and I talked about this, is her argument that what's therapeutic about art isn't some big cathartic breakthrough -- it's actually the tedium that gives you the space to work through it
This was very helpful! 'Warming up' before creating art rather than attempting to jump straight into it.
I'm so glad! I think writers don't think enough about warming up, and it's definitely something we can learn from other creative practices!
Definitely! I know I have hardly ever thought about it hehe. Until now, though.
this conversation is reminding me that my friend Emily talked about this, too--for her it was influenced by watching musicians in her family as they warmed up. so maybe this is really something we need to get better at stealing from other art forms! ;)
I agree! It's interesting to think about why warming up is not a more common practice among writers (that I know of).
So many things to write down and remember from this interview. I love the idea of creative work being therapeutic. And the exercise!
Isn't it amazing?! And what I really loved, when Ruth and I talked about this, is her argument that what's therapeutic about art isn't some big cathartic breakthrough -- it's actually the tedium that gives you the space to work through it