Let's Actually Think INSIDE the Box!
Creating art, or breakthrough ideas for that matter, is intimidating enough without putting pressure on yourself to make something completely original and unrelated to anything that has come before. We're often told to "think outside the box" to create breakthrough ideas, but Practice 5 is all about turning that advice on its head. In this practice we challenge you to take what is already in front of you and shape it into something new. Like a wood carver patiently chiseling away until a form emerges, we too can "create through elimination." Inspired by Austin Kleon's "Blackout Poems", in this Practice we start out with a page ripped from a magazine and then create a poem by blacking out words rather than writing them. This leads to an unexpectedly emotional experience for both Jamie and me, so be sure to watch the video here.
Updated to include the poems (so that you can actually read them!)
Jamie's:
Breathe it in, Over the years, married, have children sitting on the couch Wanted to be a wife and mother
felt like forever, focused hard, fulfilled me, friends family
Secure corner of the world
fell completely in love, magical and miraculous, Whoosh!
felt so certain, new and fragile, family now
steady stream of photos
love
lives
innocent. It made my heart heave
contentment. My future, divine messenger lend a hand
existence. answers, family dynamics
Buddy
Mentor
mom
Don’t eff this up.
children in their car seats, casual and cheery
your eyes are wet
love you, solid and heart-bursting, You cannot quite believe
this is real.
Amy's:
WONDERFUL thought crave giving themselves certain things in life.
experience so many things
adapt, be productive and present
time, succeeded
whatever it takes
relax. Ultimately can focus,pay attention, getting stuff done.
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Pretty neat, right?! So that is the 5th and final practice from the Creative Handbook. In case you missed it, here are the links for Practice 1 | Practice 2 | Practice 3 | Practice 4
We hope you've filled in your pages and made the book your own. Thanks for joining us on this journey! We hope that you'll come back to the handbook again and again as you seek inspiration and breakthrough. We also hope you'll share it with your friends. Use #amytangerinehandbook if you are comfortable sharing your work on Instagram!
Next week I'm announcing my newest project with Jamie Waters. I can't wait to share it with you. Here's a hint, be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you haven't done so already.
