Hosts discuss the significance of consuming art to enhance creativity, techniques for analyzing art and note-taking, a specific workflow for consuming art using Readwise and Obsidian, watching movies for research, the importance of remembering and forgetting in the creative process.
29:04
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Quick takeaways
Deconstructing and emulating art can be beneficial for learning and growth in the creative process.
Engaging in osmosis allows artists to passively absorb inspiration and ideas that can impact their work.
Deep dives
Role of Consumption in the Creative Process
Consuming in the service of creation is an important aspect of the creative process as it can help artists improve their own work. Mystery writer Ellen Hart broke down a book by her favorite writer, P.D. James, to understand the structure and pacing of her own mystery novel. Similarly, writer Isaac Butler outlines essays and chapters of books, imitating the structure and style of successful pieces. This process of deconstructing and emulating art can be beneficial for learning and growth.
Uncovering the Craftsmanship of Artists
Creatives often engage in a process of imitating other artists or works to learn and develop their own skills. Picasso's early works in the Picasso Museum in Barcelona were imitations of other artists. By understanding the techniques and styles of other practitioners, artists can become more self-aware and enhance their own craft. The process of examining and imitating allows artists to explore new perspectives and find their unique voice.
Engaging in Osmosis for Creative Growth
Osmosis refers to the process of absorbing information and knowledge passively, without a strict deconstruction or imitation. Isaac Butler practices osmosis by listening to military histories while walking his dog, to gain insights into military tactics for his book about the culture wars. Through osmosis, artists and writers can absorb inspiration and ideas that can influence their work, often reaching the subconscious mind and affecting creative output.
Capturing Inspiration through Note-Taking
Note-taking is a valuable tool for capturing moments of inspiration when engaging in creative consumption. June Thomas uses Readwise and Obsidian to record notes and highlights from books she reads, creating searchable entries that provide reminders of ideas and concepts. Isaac Butler uses a similar system, importing notes and highlights into Google Docs and taking additional, more detailed notes while watching movies. These notes serve as references for future projects and help to organize thoughts and observations.
For this week’s episode of Working Overtime, hosts June Thomas and Isaac Butler peel back the layers of great art. Whether it’s books, movies, essays, or paintings, creative work can be broken apart and used as inspirational ammunition for your own output. Through dog-earing novels, overloading a Notes app, or treating yourself to an ‘Artist Date,’ there are countless ways to consume creativity and store it for your own work.
Do you have a question about creative work? Leave a message at (304) 933-9675 or email us at working@slate.com.
Podcast production by Kevin Bendis and Cameron Drews.