Freedom In The Process- Music:12/24
From the Journal December 2024:
I have been thinking a lot about the different aspects of my process that help me feel more loose and free while creating. One of the biggest things that helps me get out of my own way is listening to music while I am creating. I was in the studio last night and I was really struck with just how much music helps me. This is from my journal this morning.
Last night, I found myself in the studio, enveloped in the warm embrace of music, desperately trying to shake off that familiar self-consciousness that tends to creep in lately. Joan Mitchell once said that music can free you, and I’m here to tell you that she was absolutely right. As soon as those notes begin to flow, I can feel the weight lift, transforming my mindset into something lighter, more fluid. It’s as if I become a channel for the work that’s just waiting to burst forth onto the page or canvas, eager to express itself.
You see, I’ve always been a bit of a contrarian when it comes to creativity. I often find myself at odds with the common beliefs surrounding what it means to be an artist, and that includes my own assumptions about my capabilities and limitations. Listening to music helps me push back against those nagging doubts, much like I would reject anyone else’s rigid opinions about my work. It’s fascinating how a simple melody can challenge my internal narrative, opening up possibilities I didn’t know existed.
When I let myself feel the music, I realize I can leave behind the constraints of my own understanding of what’s possible in the studio. Music has become an essential tool for me, one that clears the path for growth that feels organic rather than forced. Suddenly, I’m not bound by the limits of my human experience; instead, I’m transported to another realm where creation feels almost otherworldly. In those moments, I dive deep into my work without the interference of analytical thought or overthinking. It’s like stepping into an immersive space where my body knows what to do, and I’m simply along for the ride.
And let’s be honest, there are times when I wish I could physically escape to those inspiring places I dream about, but reality has its constraints—financial and otherwise. So, I turn to music as my escape route. Different genres allow me to travel to worlds I can’t visit in person, igniting my imagination and creativity. It’s a beautiful fantasy, and I truly believe that the ability to imagine and dream is an essential quality of great artists.
As I lose myself in the sounds, I feel more connected to my work and to the larger universe. This is where I find the magic—the space where I can create freely and authentically. Each note becomes a reminder that I am part of something much bigger, and that I can embrace the chaos, the uncertainty, and the joy of artistic expression. So I’ll keep listening, keep dreaming, and keep creating, allowing the music to guide me to new heights and deeper depths in my artistic journey.
