Inspiration
The Creative Act: A Way of Being
Dear Kay,
I’m listening to The Creative Act: A Way of Being, the book by the legendary music producer Rick Rubin.
It’s not about the music business or writing music.
It is COSMIC. And it’s for all of us who like to make stuff—all of us, whether we’re knitting, painting, gardening, cooking, rearranging the furniture in the den.
I’m finding it wildly inspiring.
It’s got me wandering down the street doing the thing he says we should all do, which is to notice.
Why all the noticing? Rick Rubin is a big believer in the tiniest thing being the seed of some fantastical big thing, and I’m all for this sort of germination.
“We are all antennae for creative thought,” he writes.
“Some transmissions come on strong, others are more faint. If your antenna isn’t sensitively tuned, you’re likely to lose the data in the noise.”
Antenna: up!
When we absorb a ton of sights, sounds, people, things, events, experiences, songs, books, movies, trees— bluebirds sitting on a phone line—it all becomes fodder for our subconscious, and our conscious mind too.
There’s plenty for us knitters to chew on in this book.
Here’s one bit that is staying with me—it’s true for us all.
“It’s not always easy to follow the subtle energetic information the universe broadcasts, especially when your friends, family, coworkers, or those with a business interest in your creativity are offering seemingly rational advice that challenges your intuitive knowing. To the best of my ability, I’ve followed my intuition to make career turns, and been recommended against doing so every time. It helps to realize that it’s better to follow the universe than those around you. Interference may also come from the voices within. … It’s helpful to turn those voices down so you can hear the chimes of the cosmic clock ring, reminding you it’s time. Your time to participate.”
Anybody else reading this book at the moment? There’s so much to talk about, really loving it.
Love,
Ann
PS In poking around for more information about Rick Rubin, I noticed his eight favorite songs. Of the eight, I know only four.
The gem in your post is the link to Desert Island Discs. It’s a ‘choose your own adventure’ as you browse through recordings of favourite music of a galaxy of creatives since 1942. Almost as much variety as different combinations of purl and knit.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qnmr
I missed that link in Ann’s post, so thank you for adding it here. I agree, Desert Island Discs is an opportunity for adventure 🙂
there is a very good recent podcast episode of Rick Rubin in conversation with Malcolm
Gladwell in his Revisionist History series about his book.
Rick Rubin recently appeared on Malcolm Gladwell’s Revisionist History podcast talking about this book and a whole lot more besides. it was fascinating.
apologies for the doubling up .
Yes- I’ve had it on my nightstand for the past months. I’m reading it like sips of wine, trying to really “taste” it.
It’s stunningly inspiring.
I listened to a podcast interview with Rick Rubin and his book is on my list to read. His observations so aligned with things I have been doing but I thought I was being quirky!
I ve been reading and rereading the book over the past few months. It has helped to encourage my confidence in pursuing my creative
energy.
Rick Rubin was also interviewed by Kristi Tippett on her On Being radio show and podcast. Highly recommend it. “Rick Rubin: Magic, Everyday Mystery, and Getting Creative”
I would like very much to read it.
I remember hearing an interview with him on tv somewhere recently. I kinda sorta got the idea that he worked from a heightened instinct. And maybe personal taste? Why Dangling Conversation and not Sounds of Silence? Why Bach and not Beethoven? Why Jay-zee and not Jimi Hendrix? His explanations were kind of elusive (meaning I couldn’t quite grasp them) but I do remember he said a few things that really impressed me (but now I can’t remember them). Thanks for tying him into all things creative. I might have to take another look at what he says.
Hi Chloe
My son is a musician and I asked him why Bach. He replied ‘Bach is an architect who laid out a kit of parts that can be combined to limitless music’. I told him about plain and purl in knitting and he said ‘exactly like that’.
As for the other selections, I think that’s the magic of his creative genius as a producer/creator. As he said about his process ‘If I hear something I like …’
Like the best of life – we will never really know why
Sounds intriguing!
Going to get a couple of copies. Perfect gift for friends. Thanks for introducing me to this!
He’s a genius! And he reads the audio book. Definitely next up on my list.
Thanks for pointing that out – I’m always more inclined to search out an author-narrated audiobook!
Listening now from the MDK Art Department (aka mezzanine) while buttoning up Snippets. A must listen! Need the book now to make good use of my highlighter collection 🙂
Rick Rubin was interviewed on 60 minutes
Inspiring
I am looking forward to reading this, just waiting my turn on the library hold list.
I started listening to him read his book on the Libby app, fascinating but also a little sleep inducing lol. I do remember noting with appreciation, the quotes you pointed out Ann. He’s an extremely interesting and talented guy, I also enjoyed learning about his influence on Paul McCartney while watching the documentary 3,2,1 on Hulu I think.
MDK Synchronicity – listening to this now. I’m inspired by Rick Rubin, and it’s very validating for all us dreamer/makers.
I learn so much from MDK and all the followers – thank you so much!
Have not heard of this book, but am going to order it right now. I’m thinking I saw an interview with him on 60 Minutes not too long ago. I remember thinking he was fascinating. Thanks for bringing this to my attention!
I was happy to see that today’s post was about The Creative Act and how much you are loving it, Ann.I just started reading it a few days ago, and I agree with you, that it’s inspiring. A quote that spoke to me today is “It’s common to believe that life is a series of external experiences. And that we must live an outwardly extraordinary life in order to have something to share. The experience of our inner world is often completely overlooked.
If we focus on what’s going on inside ourselves-sensations, emotions, the patterns of our thoughts-a wealth of material can be found. Our inner world is every bit as interesting, beautiful, and surprising as nature itself. It is, after all, born of nature.
When we go inside, we are processing what’s going on outside. We’re no longer separate. We’re connected. We are one.”
It made me feel better about not having lived what I considered an outwardly extraordinary life. A good life, but not filled with extraordinary experiences.
I checked this book out of the library, but this is one book that I think I need to buy so I can refer back to it.
I just finished reading this, in an actural paper copy! I used a lot of post-its marking things to remember
The audiobook is now on my reading list – the third book recommendation I’ve had today! I predict a period of zero unnecessary housework in my near future 😉
All of this! Ann, you always find the heart of the thing at hand. I enjoyed reading that book so much that I immediately sent it through Powell’s to both of my adult kids. May I also recommend watching his interview with Sir Paul McCartney about McCartney’s creative process? (it’s on Hulu) It’s marvelous knit-watching! xo