“A lot of good things don’t get made because of too much thinking.”
Agnes Martin
As I was looking for a quote on art today, this one popped out of the list and said - I'm yours! Susan and I spent some time together again yesterday working on our books - discussing where we have gotten to; how we have resolved what needed resolving, and what we plan to do for the next parts.
The agony of bringing these books to life is easing; but may I say, I really feel as if I over-thought this one and did way too much thinking about what and how along the way.
With regards to what Agnes is saying, I think it is possible to consider the quote in two ways - perhaps how I feel now - that I thought so much about this book that I nearly paralysed the process - that the thinking caused me grief and many reversals and moments of angst. That the left side of my brain got all analytical and instructive and really got in the way of creating.
I also think it can mean that we sometimes spend too much time thinking about work we might make; pondering and dreaming, and not actually making it!
I can be guilty on both charges; but am also lucky to have those moments when the creating happens in front of my eyes; without hardly a single thought and I almost watch on in awe…
Sometimes lovely things happen when you stop thinking. And hopefully, sometimes lovely things happen even after you've done heaps of thinking!
Agnes Martin
As I was looking for a quote on art today, this one popped out of the list and said - I'm yours! Susan and I spent some time together again yesterday working on our books - discussing where we have gotten to; how we have resolved what needed resolving, and what we plan to do for the next parts.
The agony of bringing these books to life is easing; but may I say, I really feel as if I over-thought this one and did way too much thinking about what and how along the way.
With regards to what Agnes is saying, I think it is possible to consider the quote in two ways - perhaps how I feel now - that I thought so much about this book that I nearly paralysed the process - that the thinking caused me grief and many reversals and moments of angst. That the left side of my brain got all analytical and instructive and really got in the way of creating.
I also think it can mean that we sometimes spend too much time thinking about work we might make; pondering and dreaming, and not actually making it!
I can be guilty on both charges; but am also lucky to have those moments when the creating happens in front of my eyes; without hardly a single thought and I almost watch on in awe…
Sometimes lovely things happen when you stop thinking. And hopefully, sometimes lovely things happen even after you've done heaps of thinking!
Very well said. And I heartily agree...with all of it. It's difficult not to over-think, over-analyze, over-plan...oh! just all those "overs" at times. And we, well...I, let that paralyze me into not being able to create for the longest time. Too many good ideas get over-thought and discarded in the process, don't you think? When if they'd only been tried...
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see the latest round of your and Susan's books. Enjoy!
Sometimes I want to kick myself for over-thinking and over-analyszing; I just get in the way of myself making! Still sometimes the thinking adds precious layers of meaning to the work as well. I am finishing off my book; Susan has a bit to do on mine; and I have a bit to do on hers and then they'll get to meet on World Book Day 23 April - stay tuned!
DeleteThat strikes a chord with me also. It is far to easy, especially when you're tired, to work an enitre project out in your head and then discard it rather than starting somthing and finding out where it leads you
ReplyDeleteSo true Jac - there's a point where you really have to get the idea happening, turn it into something and then see where that takes you. All good fun!
DeleteSomeone's been reading my mind. My best work just 'happens'. One can be far too restricted by preconceived ideas of how the finished image should look.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny isn't it Jo when you can start with a fully conceived idea of where you're going and that can end up limiting you! Some work comes out well with extra thought and crafting - but not directing I think? Maybe, I'm not really sure!
DeleteSo true. How often do I think and think and do nothing about all that thinking and then I start something slightly different and it just develops. The question is, would it have developed if I hadn't done all that thinking ...?
ReplyDeleteThat's another question altogether isn't it Charlton? I sometimes find weeks or months down the track something just happens; but that it has it's seed in the pondering, dreaming, thinking I did ages ago; without any conscious connection - yet it exists because I pondered earlier. Make sense?
Deleteand yet robust thinking hones the work to an exquisite point
ReplyDeleteSo beautifully put Mo! I think guided and constructive thinking can create precious layers of meaning and extra dimensions that won't happen if you don't consider. There must be so many types of thinking. It's the distracting, critical (in the worst sense of the word) thinking that is not helpful to me. I'm hoping that all my thinking is coming together positively for this book!
DeleteYes, I feel this quote was written for me! Way too much thought and too little action...
ReplyDeleteIt can happen can't it Carol? Sometimes you just have to take a big breath in and DO!
DeleteAn apt quote plus your thoughtful dissecting of it, expanded by some pertinent comments from others - leaves me with nothing to add. Better get on and do something then!!
ReplyDeleteLove it Lesley! Lots of good additions to my thinking here for sure - sometimes thinking does really help; at others I find it hinders. Happy making!
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