"That is beautiful which is produced by the inner need, which springs
from the soul."
- Wassily Kandinsky
What triggers and inspires creativity in one person is quite individually. There are a lot of factors influencing this process, but usually it is something that catches our attention (like curiosity) and initiates that idea from which everything else begins. So today I want to invite you to pay attention to your surroundings. We all tend to sink into our own minds, thoughts drifting on their own ... But focusing and paying attention to our surrounding is of great importance since it reflects our abilities to spot opportunities and act upon them; turn that inspirational thought into something viable and move forward with your creativity.
Listen to everything and everywhere. ‘Blend and tune in’ with your environment and listen to the sounds, conversations (I’m not suggesting you spy on anyone!) and notice what randomly catches your attention: a word, song, laughter, baby cry ... and write about it. Let that be the initial spark of something you absorbed from your environment and you are creating further. Don’t censure yourself, just write your story, a poem or whatever comes – let it surface.
Interesting fact: Wassily Kandinsky (1866-1944) was a Russian painter and one of the founders of Expressionism movement. He became famous for his abstract art. Most of his paintings were influenced by the music he was listening to. Kandinsky was on quest to break the barriers between different arts and actually tried to connect them in his work. “Concerning the spiritual art” is the most influential piece that left its mark on the abstract art of the 20th century.
So, as Kandinsky was painting his music, you can go step further and write a poem influenced by the music you hear. The idea is not to describe the music, but rather let yourself feel the music - take you to different place, different time. If you feel like dancing, dance. If you don't want to be disturbed, secure that peaceful moment and with calm and ease pursue your activity. Imagine what you hear absorbs you like sponge and you are like water: liquid, flexible, traveling through different sounds, shapes, colors and words. Let music guide you and write without censoring, without limitation. Along the way you can sketch, you can develop your visual story…whatever feels right at that moment. There is no goal to achieve, except to escape the rational and let your inner creativity shine.
For this exercise I propose three classical pieces:
5. The Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi
6. Adagio by Tomaso Albinoni
7. Bolero by Maurice Ravel
Or just turn on your radio, play your favorite song and follow the rhythm.
Music evokes different emotions and don’t fight it - just let it be and surrender to it. Your creative spirit will find its way for the most appropriate expression. I chose classical music with purpose, because it is believed that classical music makes you more honest with yourself, improves communication, memory and in general improves our stress levels, which is crucial for creative thinking.
A Violin at Dusk
Stumble to silence, all you uneasy things,
That pack the day with bluster and with fret.
For here is music at each window set;
Here is a cup which drips with all the springs
That ever bud a cowslip flower; a roof
To shelter till the argent weathers break;
A candle with enough of light to make
My courage bright against each dark reproof.
A hand’s width of clear gold, unraveled out
The rosy sky, the little moon appears;
As they were splashed upon the paling red,
Vast, blurred, the village poplars lift about.
I think of young, lost things: of lilacs; tears;
I think of an old neighbor, long since dead.
Lizette Woodworth Reese