What’s up? Classes have started, concerts loom, a CD is about to be released into the world…
But what’s REALLY up?
I’m having FUN. I’m making a bit of a mess, going for broke, pushing the envelope, getting over fears, overcoming perfectionistic tendencies…yeah, but mostly, I’m having FUN.
The fun occurs in my practice room, set up with a Zoom recorder and my phone for the video, and my flutes (and such) to blow across, with anything that catches my attention as fodder for creativity.
I’ve been captivated by a number of “100-day Projects”, mostly by artists, who set themselves a goal of doing SOMETHING 100 days straight. It’s a challenge to any creative, to keep the juice going, persist, accumulate, and see what happens.
So I decided to do a series of music improv clips, little videos (yeah, Instagram is visual…) mostly to see if I could do it. Keep the creative juice flowing. And, um, overcome the tech-fear. Cables!! Buttons, back and forth, computer to phone, etc. Teenager called for help in desperation!
I won’t comment on the results, because I’m doing this for the PROCESS. (I would link to a brilliant essay by Pedro de Alcantara, only I cannot locate it just now). So I will only relate that the PROCESS is revealing—to me, at least. For a classical musician, having spent years deciphering scores composed by others to “compose”, on the spot, letting the subconscious brain into the act—OK, it’s always been there!— to INVITE the subconscious brain in, welcome it, give it time, space, and food for thought… well, it’s something completely different. Addictive.
Each day an “Is-creativity-still-there-monster” rears its head. Each day SO FAR ( at # 39 or so right now) it has been. (Hand in hand with surprise is simply …gratitude.)
Check out my progress on Instagram here.
#100days—100 days NOT NECESSARILY IN A ROW …I’m no slave!