What's your writing process like? If you focus on a particular subject, how did you settle on it?
Personally, I don't post as much as I comment because most of what I post is my (visual) art. So my writing process tends to start once I've completed a project. While I'm drawing I let my mind go usually. Once I'm done my mind wanders back with the words its found.
And have you found, as you got older, that the space within your head's gone quiet?
Not exactly quiet, but a lot less depressed, confused, anxious, enraged. Now my mind's space is more peaceful, reflective and (most importantly) enthusiastic!
I appreciate you sharing your thoughts on your thoughts, @winstonalden. My favorite posts are the ones with questions for the reader at the end ☮ ♥ 😊
I'm fascinated by the differences between written and visual art, and the way we engage different parts of the brain in the process. I'm hopeless as a visual artist, but it's interesting watching my wife work. She wants TV, music, or lyric heavy music playing while she paints. With writing I can't have a single sound around that hints of language, or my fragile focus is totally shot. I'm jealous of your opportunity for drawing while letting the mind go. When I want that sort of experience I've got to mow the lawn or dig ditches. Also satisfying, but not the same.
Well, maybe we're just mellowing out. I think it's easier to get enthusiastic when you don't think too much about the details. And when we're young the details seem so much more important. Do you agree?
Thanks for responding to my questions! I'd much rather have a conversation than just sit in a dark room, typing to the walls!
You say you are hopeless as a visual artist - that's your biggest limitation right there! Perhaps that mindset is your only true limitation to creating visual art.
Personally, while I am drawing, reading or writing, I prefer either silence or non-lyrical music (usually classical or jazz, sometimes electronica) because I have a lot of difficulty focusing on my work with noises competing for my attention in the background. In my younger days, however, I had to have some kind of background noise, as you mentioned your spouse does.
As far as becoming more mellow with age is concerned, I agree for the most part. I still sweat most of the details - because that is the way my personality seems to be built - but it's getting easier not to internalize the negativity that can be a part of said sweating. These days I try to focus more on absorbing the lessons of life (rather than the despair), which frequently leads to enthusiasm and renewed vigor.
I'm glad we could exchange these ideas also! An intelligent conversation with a stranger isn't always easy to come by 😤