Going For a Ride with Danny Gregory
I have just started reading Danny Gregory's book, The Creative License, and I am so happy.
I almost didn't buy this book. It looks like it is written more for artists than for writers.
I am glad that I finally broke down and did.
Danny Gregory is a silly heart. He is fun. He compares creating to driving--he says, "What if creating were approached the same way? What if everyone was entitled to get a creative license?" He takes pleasure in the little things, like the collection of pens that he uses to fabricate his drawings. His creations are playful and eccentric and amusing. I could look at them for hours.
It stands to reason. This is a man who used to costume his wife, drive her to locations, and film movies, for God's sake. For fun.
This is someone I need to listen to.
I am glad that I bought this book because I think that it will help me notice details. I would like to see the world the way visual artists do (i.e. Ldahl) because I think that it will help bring my writing alive.
After all, it's all about observation, isn't it?
I'm going to concentrate, lean toward the page, and build with lines and shadows instead of words. Hopefully, that will make my ability to "build with words" better. I'm going to draw with the same spirit that a four year old does--anticipation, excitement, and pride.
I'm going to pinch myself over and over and remind myself that creativity is not a race. It's a slow cruise. It's not a job. It's a way of noticing things and engaging them.
I've gotta say: I'm looking forward to this "head out the window, scribble-scrabble, 100 mile per hour" ride (of course, I'll have to remember to bring my wind bonnet--once we arrive, I want my hair to look nice).
I almost didn't buy this book. It looks like it is written more for artists than for writers.
I am glad that I finally broke down and did.
Danny Gregory is a silly heart. He is fun. He compares creating to driving--he says, "What if creating were approached the same way? What if everyone was entitled to get a creative license?" He takes pleasure in the little things, like the collection of pens that he uses to fabricate his drawings. His creations are playful and eccentric and amusing. I could look at them for hours.
It stands to reason. This is a man who used to costume his wife, drive her to locations, and film movies, for God's sake. For fun.
This is someone I need to listen to.
I am glad that I bought this book because I think that it will help me notice details. I would like to see the world the way visual artists do (i.e. Ldahl) because I think that it will help bring my writing alive.
After all, it's all about observation, isn't it?
"The day is coming when a single carrot, freshly observed, will set off a revolution." ~Paul CezanneI am going to do the assignments and start drawing things. And I'm not going to erase (his rules). And I'm not going to judge.
I'm going to concentrate, lean toward the page, and build with lines and shadows instead of words. Hopefully, that will make my ability to "build with words" better. I'm going to draw with the same spirit that a four year old does--anticipation, excitement, and pride.
I'm going to pinch myself over and over and remind myself that creativity is not a race. It's a slow cruise. It's not a job. It's a way of noticing things and engaging them.
I've gotta say: I'm looking forward to this "head out the window, scribble-scrabble, 100 mile per hour" ride (of course, I'll have to remember to bring my wind bonnet--once we arrive, I want my hair to look nice).
posted by Cate at 8:19 PM
8 Comments:
When I say that Ldahl is a visual artist, I don't mean to categorize her. Ldahl is an artist, period.
Just reread my post and felt the need to clarify.
Sounds like an interesting book. I'm reading a few books on craft too. One of The Marshall Plan, and the other is by D. Swain.
Tanya
Hey~
I think I've become a (gasp/choke) "stalker" of your blog.
I just can't imagine your ability to "build with words" getting any better than it is...your last paragraph made me smile...I saw you....wearing your wind bonnet (and a smirk)!!!!!!
Tanya,
I'm always up for recommendations. I'm headed to Amazon to check them out! Thanks!
Proofreader's Friend,
You can "stalk" me any day. :)
I love the line "This is someone I need to listen to."
I need to check this book out. I can't draw worth a flip, but perhaps this is someone I need to listen to too.
xoxo
Sounds like adn interesting book and thanks for that quote which de-bemuses me on why the poetry journal is called Cezanne's Carrot.
great post. and you've definitely piqued my interest about this book that i keep hearing about online. i'll have to check it out once i get through the artist's way.
wishing you a wild-ride (p.s. wind-blown hair is hot!) ;-)
Kat,
Not my wind blown hair. I've got short hair that looks like a little pompadour when the breeze shoots through it.
But in my creative, imaginary world, I've got long silky mink colored hair with natural lights that dance under the sun. That hair would, indeed, look hot wind-blown.
And thanks for the comment. The book is really great.
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