“Creativity is an intelligence. When we respect its needs—for freedom, not knowing, beauty, a big vision, intrinsic motivation, and space—it will flourish.” 1. Creativity needs space, both internal and external – How can you give yourself internal space? If something is on your mind, take care of it before diving into new creative work. – [ Read more … ]
david lynch
Not knowing is the essence of creativity
Not knowing is the essence of creativity. I once heard the celebrated filmmaker David Lynch interviewed on NPR’s Fresh Air. Host Terry Gross asked Lynch something about what he does when he makes a movie. Lynch responded that when he makes a movie, he “doesn’t really know” what he’s doing. This statement has always stayed [ Read more … ]
The art of not knowing what you’re doing
Many years ago, a friend talked me into attending a creative writing workshop. Since I’d never done anything like that before, I had no prior expectations. I was totally unprepared for what happened. We were given some topic to write about, I put my pen to the page and I found myself writing a fantasy-fairy [ Read more … ]
Navigating the Unknown
David Lynch, the legendary director of many noteworthy films including Elephant Man and Eraserhead, was once asked by Terry Gross on Fresh Air what he does when he makes a movie. After a long pause he replied, “You know, when I’m making a movie, I don’t know what I’m doing.” Of course there is something [ Read more … ]