Cross-creative inspirations
I am a big fan of a number of programs that help me greatly with my writing. Some of these are on paid TV and come and go in irregular series. These include The Great Pottery Throw-down, where ameteur potters undergo a series of challenges and major builds each week, to be named potter of the week, or eliminated (think the Great British Bake-off format but with clay); Portrait Artist of the Year and Landscape Artist of the Year (where professional and amateur artists are selected from digital shots of a completed work, to complete a work in 4 hours, to win their heat and progress through the competition; and The Voice, which, for all its artifice, engages with its passion and vulnerability.
Cooking programs probably do the same, but I am less of a fan. So how are these shows helpful to my writing?
Firstly, I see the creative process in action. How the potter considers the brief; how the artist considers the brief; how the singer considers the brief. How they tackle it; their step by step processes; what they learn; their triumphs and failures, and probably most importantly, why they persist.
Secondly, over the course of the programs, I see individuals develop in their chosen art-form. This can be skills-wise and/or confidence-wise.
Thirdly, I get an insight into how quality and skill are assessed by being privy to the judges' explanations, insights, and discussions.
Fourthly, I get to experience that much over-used word passion. Artists in whatever medium are driven by passion, but passion on its own doesn't bring success. Rather it drives people to try again when their pots collapse, nerves close their throats, and time runs out with the picture incomplete.
Programs such as these not only explore the creative journey, but validate it. Recently one of the judges of Landscape Artist of the Year was reduced to tears simply by strolling amongst the 50 wildcard artists who compete, one of whom is also selected to progress. His sheer delight in those creating around him moved him profoundly, and I know what he means.
Cooking programs probably do the same, but I am less of a fan. So how are these shows helpful to my writing?
Firstly, I see the creative process in action. How the potter considers the brief; how the artist considers the brief; how the singer considers the brief. How they tackle it; their step by step processes; what they learn; their triumphs and failures, and probably most importantly, why they persist.
Secondly, over the course of the programs, I see individuals develop in their chosen art-form. This can be skills-wise and/or confidence-wise.
Thirdly, I get an insight into how quality and skill are assessed by being privy to the judges' explanations, insights, and discussions.
Fourthly, I get to experience that much over-used word passion. Artists in whatever medium are driven by passion, but passion on its own doesn't bring success. Rather it drives people to try again when their pots collapse, nerves close their throats, and time runs out with the picture incomplete.
Programs such as these not only explore the creative journey, but validate it. Recently one of the judges of Landscape Artist of the Year was reduced to tears simply by strolling amongst the 50 wildcard artists who compete, one of whom is also selected to progress. His sheer delight in those creating around him moved him profoundly, and I know what he means.
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