Thought For the Day, November 22, 1999

Subject: Thought For the Day, November 22, 1999
From: Allan C.
Date: 22 Nov 99 - 11:44 AM

"You know...that a blank wall is an apalling thing to look at. The wall of a museum -- a canvas -- a piece of film -- or a guy sitting in front of a typewriter. Then, you start out to do something -- that vague thing called creation. The beginning strikes awe within you." -Edward Steichen

Subject: RE: Thought For the Day, November 22, 1999
From: catspaw49
Date: 22 Nov 99 - 11:47 AM

This would explain why I'm generally referred to as appalling. Thanks Allan................sigh........

Spaw

Subject: RE: Thought For the Day, November 22, 1999
From: Allan C.
Date: 22 Nov 99 - 11:51 AM

If you are that, I must be the "vague thing".

Subject: RE: Thought For the Day, November 22, 1999
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 22 Nov 99 - 12:36 PM

This is the beginning of writers/painters block. Staring at a sheet of paper or canvas, knowing that you have to fill it with something, and realising that all you have is a head full of mashed potatoes and the artistic talent of a cowpat. Getting over that feeling, usually about 3 years later, is probably more satisfying than sex.

LTS

Subject: RE: Thought For the Day, November 22, 1999
From: katlaughing
Date: 22 Nov 99 - 12:47 PM

Only if you aren't into instant gratification, LTS!

katwhoisnotgoneyetduetoblowing&driftingsnowonroads,dammit!

Subject: RE: Thought For the Day, November 22, 1999
From: Allan C.
Date: 22 Nov 99 - 01:44 PM

Looks like you're going to be looking at a whole different kind of blank wall soon, Kat!

Anyone ever had this happen? Someone asks you to play a song that you have done so-o-o-o many times before - and suddenly you can't remember the first word or else what key it is in. Or you are writing a song. You have a great idea for the general idea of it and are re-e-e-eally excited about it. But then, after you have written the first couple of lines that had sounded so good in your head, you can't think of any way to continue. This last thing happened to me only moments ago. There is no appropriate expletive to express the feeling.

Subject: RE: Thought For the Day, November 22, 1999
From: Little Neophyte
Date: 22 Nov 99 - 03:37 PM

If the paper, canvas, or fret board feels blank, isn't it best to go off somewhere and do something else?

Banjo Bonnie

Subject: RE: Thought For the Day, November 22, 1999
From: Allan C.
Date: 22 Nov 99 - 04:06 PM

If you hurry, you could do that. The problem is that if you hesitate, paralysis sets in.

Subject: RE: Thought For the Day, November 22, 1999
From: Little Neophyte
Date: 22 Nov 99 - 07:01 PM

Allan, this is what I was thinking.
Here is another example.
I am trying to remember someone's name and it is driving me crazy because I have gone blank and can not remember it. In this situation, I find the best thing to do is stop trying to think about it, let it go and do something else. Later on out of nowhere the name will come to me.

I apply this approach to the fretboard. If I'm trying to create a new tune and I can not find anything interesting, I let it go and come back later. Somehow when I'm not thinking about it, it will come to me.

Banjo Bonnie

Subject: RE: Thought For the Day, November 22, 1999
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 23 Nov 99 - 02:01 PM

I often have to stare at blank sheets of paper or screens then fill them. Often with the kindest way of saying someones child is a lazy little toad who want's their backside kicking or review the progress that has not been made. And the planning sheets are canvasses from hell! Not as satisfying as sex I can tell you! Even when all the paperork is finished! cheers blankly. Eric