Tag archive for "creativity"

Creative Process, On Writing

The Price of the Sting

4 Comments 28 September 2009

“Artists must be sacrificed to their art. Like bees, they must put their lives into the sting they give.”

-Ralph Waldo Emerson


I’ve had the privilege of knowing or working with talented artists–musicians, writers, and painters–and they are all living testaments to Emerson’s point. I am, too. Chances are, you feel it as well in the hours of obscurity when no one else sees the drops of blood and pain, all from the experiences you bring to the table, that mix with the ink on the page and then become something new.

Art that is not born of some sacrifice typically moves no one. And if that’s our aim, to move people, then a bit of ourselves must be chiseled off and allowed to fall into the mix. Like a bit of yeast that works through the entire batch that sliver of humanity, your experiences and your story, is what will resonate with others because it confirms their own experience.

Not everyone is willing to go that distance. Not everyone should or can. But for those who were made to create there is simply no other way.

Creative Process

Blaine’s Online Art Show

1 Comment 20 September 2009

Whenever I get the chance, I try to highlight what others are doing to elevate the good, the true, and the beautiful through artistic expression. My friend Blaine Hogan tried a cool experiment recently by inviting his online community of artists to submit pieces for his first ever online art show. Over 40 people responded with some fantastic entries. Do yourself a favor and check it out. This particular offering (above) is from Stephanie Horn. See what else is waiting at the show.

On Writing, epic_

Beating writer’s block without getting shin splints.

3 Comments 23 August 2009

At the moment I hate running. The only redeeming value I see in it is that I’m learning some lessons about writer’s block that maybe will help someone. I hope.

Now, understand, I’m not a natural runner. I’ve never really liked it or understood why people are fascinated with endlessly pounding asphalt for mile upon mile upon mile. The only time I used to kind of like running was when I lived in Colorado and could do it in the mountains on winding trails. That was at least a little engaging because I had tree roots and mountain bikers to dodge, and endless views. Not so in Nashville.

But despite my disdain for running I’ve begun hitting the road in the morning with my neighbor, Kevin. (Yes, he’s really my neighbor and his name really is Kevin. He’s one of three Kevin’s on our block. It’s a cosmic anomaly, I know.). And thanks to my newfound hobby, I’ve learned a few painful lessons that apply to the writer’s life. Learn from my pain, dear friends, because something good has to come from my early mornings. Continue Reading

Creative Process, On Writing

Coffee shops, dungeons, and other good places to write.

4 Comments 17 August 2009

Dungeon. Man cave. Broom closet. The table at the back of the coffee shop with the gimpy tilt. That is where the magic happens. The space. You could call the place where a writer writes an idea farm, a sort of blue collar place where they can get to the focused business of doing. That’s where, once they step into it, their mind and body recognizes that it’s time to shift into work mode.

But, the question comes up, “Do I really need a place where I go specifically to write?” Well, it depends. Everyone is different, but my experience (and that of many of my friends) is the same: if you ever hope to be a productive writer, you will eventually need somewhere to which you can disappear even if it’s just for moments at a time.  And the reason is pretty simple: the world around us belches out a chronic smog of distraction and noise. Because of that it’s inhospitable to the fragile seeds of inspiration and creativity you’re trying to cultivate in the narrow slice of time that you have. So my answer is “yes, you should have a place to go if at all possible.” Continue Reading

Creative Process, Motivation, Videos

Behold the Dreamer Cometh

1 Comment 11 August 2009

I’ve mentioned Blaine Hogan a couple times already in the past week, but for good reason. A few things he’s shared with me have really set my wheels turning. This video is one of them. Lean in close, take it in, and see what happens.

BEHOLD THE DREAMER COMETH from blaine hogan on Vimeo.


© 2010 Kevin Kaiser. Powered by Wordpress.

Daily Edition Theme by WooThemes - Premium Wordpress Themes