"Is it time for the next project because the clock or calendar says it's time, or because the work itself says it's time?"

The artist's job is never truly finished.This is because the artist's job is of two kinds:<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">the work of doing</li><li class="ql-align-justify">the work of being</li></ul>Creativity is something you are, not only something you do.Staying in it means a commitment to remain open to what's around you.  What you see, hear, touch, taste, and smell.There is no telling where the next great story, painting, recipe, or business idea will come from.Be ever present.

24/7 (Staying In It)

How many times have we decided to just flip a coin to find out.Do I want option A or do I want option B.And how many times do we secretly hope that "heads" or "tails" will appear when we have set our parameters.What am I truly rooting for?This is the option you go with.  While the coin is spinning in the air, your heart has already decided which option it wants.Let the coin fall.Don't look at it.Go with what your heart desires.That's how you choose.

How to Choose

"What we say,what we sing,what we paint - we get to choose.......The art is the final word."

The mission is to be in the present moment with the work.Clean slate is our ability to see the work again like it was the first time.This may require time away from the work.Let is sit for a minute, a day, a week, a month.When you return with a clear perspective, you will more likely have the discernment to see what the project wants or needs.Time is where the learning occurs. ﻿

Clean Slate

What motivates us?What drive us to finish certain pieces and not others?This energy that comes from our work feels similar to another force of creation in the world:Love ❤️You catch yourself losing track of time, forgetting to eat, withdrawing from the outside world.It generates excitement in you.It commands your attention.The call of an artist is to follow the excitement.

The Energy (In the Work)

"The best work is the work you are excited about."

Art exists in the same circle of death and rebirth.When consumed with a single work to the point where we feel it is our life's mission, we leave no room for new art to be born.While the artist goal is greatness, it's also to keep moving forward.Every artists creates a living museum of finished works.  One work after another.Keep moving forward❗️

Ending to Start Anew (Regeneration)

"A work of art is not an end point in itself.It's a station on a journey.A chapter in our lives.We acknowledge these transactionsby documenting each of them."

Making art is a serious matter.The opposite is also true. Making art is pure play.Some of the best ideas come from a playful state.Stress reduces our creativity.  Reduces our resourcefulness.In play, there are no stakes. No boundaries. No right or wrong.Let your spirit be free❗️Embrace your inner child with a fresh new box of crayons.

Play

"Whether the work comes easily through playor with difficulty through struggle,the quality of the finished piece is unaffected."

We have stories about ourselves,and those are not who we are.We have stories about the work,and those are not what the work is.You are you.The work is the work.As artists, we're called to let go of these stories.We move forward in the energy of curiosity to see what transpires.Even if perceived chaos, there is order and pattern.The work is you.You are the work.

What We Tell Ourselves

"Being an artist meansto be continually asking,"How can it be better?"whatever it is.It may be your art,and it may be your life."

As I continue to share the books I read, I hope you follow me on this journey.Remember that all the Deepstash publications I do end up being a subject for my podcast "All About Books"<a href="https://www.brianmunroe.tv">www.BrianMunroe.TV</a>

Thank you❗️ I hope you follow me.

There are so many great insights in this book I decided to break this into 2 parts.  Here is part 2 - Enjoy‼️

personaldevelopment

Personal Development

mindfulness

Mindfulness

motivationandinspiration

Motivation & Inspiration

creativity

Creativity

leadershipandmanagement

Leadership & Management

The Creative Act - Part 2

Be strong like the tree, flow like the water, and stay true to yourself. Grounded, adaptable, and always authentic. 🌲 (evergreen tree) - stability and consistency.🌳 (bare tree) - resilience and growth through challenges.🌴 (palm tree) - adaptability, strength, and thriving through adversity.💧 signifies fluidity and flexibility.

Be🌲🌳🌴, be 💧, be YOU

Be🌲🌳🌴, be 💧, be me.

Rooted in nature, flowing with life, and always staying true to who I am.

Be like a tree: strong, adaptable, and resilient

philosophy

Philosophy

problemsolving

Problem Solving

Be tree, be water 

We are all creative in one way or another. In The Creative Act, Rick Rubin reminds us that creativity isn’t reserved for artists; it’s a universal trait that lives within us all, waiting to be embraced.

Creativity is for Everyone

The depth of The Creative Act by Rick Rubin is truly astounding. There is so much wisdom packed into its pages that I’ll need to cover it in two parts, starting with this first part.This is a book I know I’ll return to again and again, discovering new insights with each read.

A Book Worth Revisiting

Early in life, I always considered myself creative through my oil painting and art. Over time, my creativity shifted to training development and delivery, where I found new ways to express myself. Now, it’s showing up in writing and podcasting, continuing to evolve as I explore new ways to share ideas and connect with others.

Creativity Evolves over Time

"There's a time for certain ideas to arrive, and they find a way to express themselves through us."

Creativity is not a rare ability.It is not difficult to access.Creativity is a fundamental aspect of being human.It involves bringing something new into existence that wasn't there before. Could be art, a conversation, a solution to a problem, or a new way of thinking.Creativity is about perceiving, filtering, and curating experiences for ourselves and our audience.

Everyone Is A Creator

Though artists generally aren't aware of it, the end work is a by product of a greater desire.Our creations allow us to share a glimpse of the unseen, an inner landscape that is beyond what we could image.Watch for moments that take your breath away, whether a beautiful sunset, the sounds of amazing music, or a design that captivates your attention.Harnessing this energy can be useful in your own creative pursuits.

The Unseen

"Look for what you notice but no one else sees."

A practice is the embodiment of an approach to a concept.An approach to living in a state of openness.Requires setting up daily rituals and constantly refreshing awareness to maintain the state.<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">A daily walk.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Savoring our meals by eating slower and with intention.</li></ul>One day you realize you are always in a state of awareness at all times.

Practice

We are all different. We are all imperfect.Imperfections are what makes each of us and our work interesting.If a creator is afraid of judgement, they will never move forward in their creations.The desire to share the work needs to be greater than the fear of judgement.It is in our imperfections that some of our best work shows up.

Self Doubt

"The person who makes something today isn't the same person who returns to the work tomorrow."

When it comes to art, rules are different.The laws and rules of math and science are different than the laws and rules of art.Artists follow assumptions, not absolutes.Rules direct us to average and our goal is not to fit in.Value your own approach. Holding every rule as breakable is a healthy way to live as an artist.

Rules

There are no shortcuts.Patience is required for crafting a work that resonates and contains all that we have to offer.If there is a rule to creativity that is less breakable than the others, it's that the need for patience is ever present.Experience life slowing. Taking in the experiences it presents.Re-image your ideas.  And now do it again.

Patience

Art creates a profound connection between the artist and the audience. Through that connection both can heal.

Inspiration involves creating space for insight.Practice meditation and contemplation as a method of quieting the mind to achieve inspiration.It's about both our quality and quantity of download.One can never be sure when this spark of insight originates.An artist's life cannot be solely based on waiting for inspiration.In its absence, we may work on other areas of our work that does not require the power of "awe."

Inspiration

"Talent is the ability to let ideas manifest themselves through you."

Part 2 of this book will come next week.Would love to have you follow me❗️Hope you all enjoy my content and remember each entry in Deepstash turns into a podcast:www.brianmunroe.tv

Would Love To Follow

The object isn't to make art, it's to be in that wonderful state which makes art inevitable. - Robert Henri

The #1 New York Times bestseller. From the legendary music producer, a master at helping people connect with the wellsprings of their creativity, comes a beautifully crafted book many years in the making that offers that same deep wisdom to all of us. "A gorgeous and inspiring work of art on creation, creativity, the work of the artist. It will gladden the hearts of writers and artists everywhere, and get them working again with a new sense of meaning and direction. A stunning accomplishment.” —Anne Lamott “I set out to write a book about what to do to make a great work of art. Instead, it revealed itself to be a book on how to be.” —Rick Rubin Many famed music producers are known for a particular sound that has its day. Rick Rubin is known for something else: creating a space where artists of all different genres and traditions can home in on who they really are and what they really offer. He has made a practice of helping people transcend their self-imposed expectations in order to reconnect with a state of innocence from which the surprising becomes inevitable. Over the years, as he has thought deeply about where creativity comes from and where it doesn’t, he has learned that being an artist isn’t about your specific output, it’s about your relationship to the world. Creativity has a place in everyone’s life, and everyone can make that place larger. In fact, there are few more important responsibilities. The Creative Act is a beautiful and generous course of study that illuminates the path of the artist as a road we all can follow. It distills the wisdom gleaned from a lifetime’s work into a luminous reading experience that puts the power to create moments—and lifetimes—of exhilaration and transcendence within closer reach for all of us.

habits

Habits

books

Books

Rick Rubin

The Creative Act

In "In the Blink of an Eye," Walter Murch introduces the "Rule of Six," a hierarchy of criteria for evaluating a cut in film editing. He argues that the most important factor is emotion: Does the cut convey the right feeling? Only after addressing this should editors consider story, rhythm, eye trace, two-dimensional plane of the screen, and three-dimensional space. By prioritizing emotion, editors can create a more engaging and impactful viewing experience.

he Rule of Six: Prioritizing Emotion in Film Editing

Walter Murch draws a fascinating parallel between the blink of an eye and the cut in film editing. Both are brief, unconscious actions that can have a profound impact. Just as a blink can signal a change in attention or emotion, a cut can shift the viewer's focus and create meaning. Murch suggests that editors can learn from the natural rhythm of blinking to create cuts that feel intuitive and emotionally resonant.

The Blink of an Eye: A Metaphor for Film Editing

While "In the Blink of an Eye" primarily focuses on editing, Walter Murch also emphasizes the importance of sound in filmmaking. He argues that sound can be just as powerful as visuals in conveying emotion and creating a sense of immersion. Murch shares examples of how sound design can be used to enhance the impact of a scene, even if it's not consciously noticed by the viewer.

The Power of Sound in Filmmaking

Walter Murch highlights the collaborative nature of filmmaking, emphasizing that editing is not an isolated process. He discusses the importance of communication and collaboration between the editor, director, and other members of the crew. By working together, filmmakers can create a cohesive and compelling final product.

The Collaborative Nature of Filmmaking

In "In the Blink of an Eye," Walter Murch reflects on the evolution of digital editing and its impact on filmmaking. He discusses how digital tools have changed the editing process, allowing for greater flexibility and creativity. Murch also explores the challenges and opportunities presented by digital editing, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a focus on storytelling and emotion.

The Evolution of Digital Editing

productivity

Productivity

technologyandthefuture

Technology & The Future

movies

Movies & Shows

Walter Murch

In the Blink of an Eye

Dunn emphasizes the beauty of imperfection in art. She encourages artists to let go of the pursuit of perfection and instead focus on the process of creation. This approach allows for more authentic and expressive artwork.

Embrace Imperfection

One of the exercises Dunn suggests is drawing with your non-dominant hand. This technique can help artists break free from their usual patterns and discover new forms of expression. It encourages spontaneity and can lead to unexpected and inspiring results.

Use Your Non-Dominant Hand

Dunn advises artists to look for inspiration in their daily surroundings. By observing and sketching everyday objects, artists can find beauty in the mundane and develop a habit of seeing the world through a creative lens.

Find Inspiration in Everyday Objects

The book encourages artists to trust their instincts and follow their creative impulses. Dunn believes that intuition plays a crucial role in the creative process and that artists should listen to their inner voice when creating art.

Trust Your Instincts

Dunn suggests experimenting with various art mediums and techniques to discover new ways of expression. This experimentation can lead to unique and personal artistic styles.

Experiment with Different Mediums

Dunn encourages artists to find inspiration in the world around them—nature, everyday objects, and even fleeting moments. By staying observant and curious, artists can turn ordinary scenes into creative fuel. Sketching a coffee cup, capturing the texture of a tree, or noting the interplay of light and shadow can lead to fresh ideas. Creativity thrives when artists engage with their environment, allowing inspiration to flow naturally. By embracing this mindset, artists can break through creative blocks and develop a more fulfilling, authentic practice.

Let Your Surroundings Spark Creativity

In Pursuit of Inspiration by Rae Dunn is a visual guide encouraging artists to embrace creativity through techniques, sketches, photography, and hand-lettered insights.

In this visually rich hardcover volume, beloved artist Rae Dunn shares her favorite techniques for approaching a blank page. From drawing with your nondominant hand to sketching with objects found in nature, each chapter offers a simple yet surprising catalyst to help readers get in touch with their own creativity. Full of gorgeous watercolors, sketches, original patterns, dreamy photography, and hand-lettered insight from the author, In Pursuit of Inspiration offers a unique glimpse into the process of a successful fine artist. It's the perfect how-to book for artists of all skill levels who prefer freeform experimentation to step-by-step instruction.

artsandculture

Society, Arts & Culture

Rae Dunn

In Pursuit of Inspiration

"Creativity is seeing what everyone else has seen, and thinking what no one else has thought.”

“Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the things you can think up if only you try!”

"Creativity is intelligence having fun.”

“Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine and at last you create what you will.”

“You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”

“Creativity is contagious, pass it on.”

The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.

“Creativity is just connecting things.”

“Creativity doesn’t wait for that perfect moment. It fashions its own perfect moments out of ordinary ones.”

"Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun.”

Creativity quotes that will inspire you to create!

Understand yourself and those around you.

psychology

Psychology

10 Famous Quotes on Creativity

Different leaders exhibit different kinds of action logic—ways in which they interpret their surroundings and react when their power or safety is challenged. In our research of thousands of leaders, we observed seven types of action logics.
The least effective for organizational leadership are the Opportunist and Diplomat; the most effective, the Strategist and Alchemist.
Knowing your own action logic can be the first step toward developing a more effective leadership style.

Seven Ways of Leading

Style: Focused on personal wins and control; sees world and others as opportunities to be exploited. Found In: Rarely survive long in management unless they evolve; sometimes found in early-stage startups or high-risk environments.Examples: Early career Larry Ellison Benefits: Can create exciting environments for risk-taking; good at seizing immediate opportunities Pitfalls: Constant firefighting; manipulative behavior; rule-breaking; high turnover of staff; unsustainable leadership model

Opportunist (5% of leaders)

Style: Focuses on gaining control of own behavior; seeks to please higher-status colleagues while avoiding conflictFound In: Primarily junior management roles (80% at junior levels), customer service, support roles Examples: Often found in front-line supervisor positions, customer service representatives, nurse practitioners Benefits: Provides social glue; ensures attention to others' needs; good team players Pitfalls: Avoids necessary conflict; cannot give challenging feedback; struggles with change initiatives

Diplomat (12% of leaders)

Style: Exercises control through knowledge and expertise; relies on logic and data Found In: Professional services, technical roles, analysts, engineers, consultants Examples: Scott McNealy (Sun Microsystems) Benefits: Great individual contributors; pursuit of continuous improvement; efficiency-focused Pitfalls: My-way-or-highway attitude; views collaboration as waste of time; dismissive of others' opinions

Expert (38% of leaders)

Style: Creates positive environment focused on deliverables; balances managerial and strategic tasks Found In: Mid to senior management roles, particularly in established organizations Examples: Many successful middle-market company leaders Benefits: Creates positive work environment; good at meeting strategic goals; effective at managing diverse stakeholders Pitfalls: Can inhibit outside-the-box thinking; may clash with Expert subordinates

Achiever (30% of leaders)

Style: Recognizes both personal and organizational paradoxes; interacts well with different action logics Found In: Creative organizations, consulting firms, innovative startups Examples: Unconventional but highly effective project leaders Benefits: Strong at unique problem-solving; effective communication across levels; highly adaptable Pitfalls: May ignore rules they deem irrelevant; can create organizational tension; sometimes seen as wild cards

Individualist (10% of leaders)

Style: Focus on organizational constraints and transformations; creates shared visions across action logics Found In: Senior executive positions, particularly in transforming organizations Examples: Joan Bavaria (Trillium Asset Management) Benefits: Excellent change agents; comfortable with conflict; effective at organizational transformationPitfalls: Rare to find; may struggle in traditionally structured organizations

Strategist (4% of leaders)

Style: Generates social transformations; integrates material, spiritual, and societal transformation Found In: Extremely rare; typically involved with multiple organizations simultaneously Examples: Nelson Mandela Benefits: Able to renew/reinvent organizations; highly effective at dealing with immediate and long-term priorities Pitfalls: Very rare to find; may be too focused on long-term transformation for some organizations' immediate needs

Alchemist (1% of leaders)

Expert → Achiever: Move from technical mastery to people leadership. Success comes through embracing multiple approaches, developing delegation skills, and shifting focus from perfect solutions to achieving results through others.Achiever → Individualist: Evolve from pure results orientation to deeper questioning. Focus moves from "how" to "why," with growth through self-reflection, diverse perspectives, and questioning assumptions.Individualist → Strategist: Transform from personal effectiveness to systems thinking. Create sustainable organizational change through collaborative leadership.

Leadership Transformation

Leaders are made, not born, and how they develop is critical for organizational change.

remotework

Remote Work

corporateculture

Corporate Culture

humanresources

Human Resources

Seven Transformations of Leadership

Isabel Myers and Katharine Briggs created the 16 personality types to help people understand their strengths and differences.Each of the four dimensions was described as a dichotomy, or an either/or choice between two styles of being. Their theories were based on the work of psychologist Carl Jung.

Background Introduction

Personality typing categorizes people based on their tendencies to think and act in certain ways, sorting them into meaningful groups.

Personality Typing

Each personality type is determined by preferences in four key dimensions: Introversion vs. Extraversion, Sensing vs. Intuition, Thinking vs. Feeling, and Judging vs. Perceiving.

Myers & Briggs' 16 Personality Types

The Introversion/Extraversion dimension describes how a person manages their energy.Introverts are energized by spending quiet time alone or with a small group. Extraverts are energized by spending time with people and in busy, active surroundings.

I/E: Introversion or Extraversion

The Sensing/Intuition dimension describes how an individual processes information.Sensors focus on their five senses and are interested in information they can directly see, hear, feel, and so on. Intuitives focus on a more abstract level of thinking; they are more interested in theories, patterns, and explanations.

S/N: Sensing or iNtuition

The Thinking/Feeling dimension describes how people make decisions.Thinkers tend to make decisions by finding the most logical, reasonable choice.Feelers tend to make decisions considering about how it will affect people, and whether it fits in with their values.

T/F: Thinking or Feeling

The Judging/Perceiving dimension describes how people approach structure in their lives.Judgers appreciate structure and order.Perceivers appreciate flexibility and spontaneity.

J/P: Judging or Perceiving

Learn more about <a href="https://chieflings.com/topic/identity">Personality as part of self-leadership</a> and personal development for Christians

Next Steps

16 personality types to help people understand their strengths and differences.

Explore our in-depth descriptions of each of the 16 personality types to learn more about yourself and your loved ones. Or, if you're not sure which personality type fits you, take our free personality test. The 16 personality types were created by Isabel Myers and Katharine Briggs, developers of the MBTI® assessment. Myers and Briggs created their personality typology to help

scienceandnature

Science & Nature

The Cognitive-Theoretic Model of the Universe (CTMU) posits that the universe is not merely a passive collection of matter but an active, cognitive entity. This perspective challenges traditional scientific paradigms by suggesting that the universe embodies intelligence and purpose, reflecting processes of thought and consciousness.

The Universe as a Cognitive Entity

Within the CTMU framework, information is considered the foundational fabric of reality. This concept extends beyond mere data, viewing information as a dynamic, structured entity. Cognition processes this information, imparting structure, meaning, and purpose that collectively shape the universe itself.

Information as the Fabric of Reality

You cannot describe the universe completely with any accuracy unless you’re willing to admit that it’s both physical and mental in nature.

Embracing the universe as a cognitive entity challenges the notion of a meaningless cosmos. This perspective shifts our understanding from perceiving randomness to recognizing intention and purpose, thereby reframing humanity’s place within the cosmos as both meaningful and essential.

A Shift in Perspective

Viewing the universe as cognitive redefines human existence, highlighting the profound interconnection between our thoughts, actions, and the cosmos. This interconnectedness suggests that human presence and choices hold significant weight within a system designed with inherent purpose.

Interconnection with the Cosmos

Everything begins as an internal reality and then is externalized through perception.

The CTMU encourages perceiving the universe not solely as an external reality but as a reflection of the cognitive processes within ourselves. This profound connection links the microcosm of the human mind to the macrocosm of the universe, fostering a deeper understanding of our role in the cosmos.

The Universe as Reflection

Contrary to the cold, indifferent cosmos depicted in materialist philosophy, the CTMU’s cognitive universe imbues all components with purpose. Every element, regardless of its scale, contributes to an intricate system characterized by intentionality and growth.

A Universe with Purpose

I believe in the theory of evolution, but I believe as well in the allegorical truth of creation theory. In other words, I believe that evolution, including the principle of natural selection, is one of the tools used by God to create mankind. Mankind is then a participant in the creation of the universe itself, so that we have a closed loop.

Cognition serves as the universal process central to the CTMU. It organizes information, enabling reality to evolve and adapt. In this view, the universe functions as a vast, intelligent system engaged in constant self-dialogue, perpetually refining its own structure and purpose.

Cognition: The Universe’s Core Process

The CTMU presents the universe as a bridge connecting the mind and external reality. By understanding the mind’s cognitive processes, we gain insight into the universe’s workings, establishing a profound connection between individual consciousness and the broader cosmos.

A Bridge Between Mind and Universe

I believe that there is a level on which science and religious metaphor are mutually compatible.

If the universe possesses cognitive attributes, it is not indifferent to human life. This perspective positions humans as co-creators within a purposeful system, emphasizing our responsibility and the significant impact of our actions on the universal tapestry.

Implications of a Cognitive Universe

The CTMU’s portrayal of a cognitive universe transcends metaphor, offering a structured, purposeful system where cognition is embedded at every level of existence. This framework bridges individual and universal understanding, providing a comprehensive model of reality that integrates consciousness with the cosmos.

Purpose Beyond Metaphor

The universe as a cognitive entity, a core concept of the Cognitive Theoretical Model of the Universe, challenges conventional views of reality by asserting that the universe possesses purpose, intentionality, and interconnected cognition.

Building on our exploration of information theory and its foundational role in the Cognitive-Theoretic Model of the Universe (CTMU), this post delves into the profound idea of the universe as a cognitive entity. If information is the fabric of reality, as discussed in the previous post, then cognition emerges as the process that gives that…

The Universe as a Cognitive Entity (CTMU Series)

Find 100+ Facts about Creativity - Curated by others from trusted sources like Books, Podcasts & Articles - Genuine Insights from like-minded Users like You!

The Creative Act - Part 2

Be tree, be water

The Creative Act

In the Blink of an Eye

In Pursuit of Inspiration

10 Famous Quotes on Creativity

Seven Transformations of Leadership

Myers & Briggs' 16 Personality Types

The Universe as a Cognitive Entity (CTMU Series)

A Technique for Producing Ideas

It's time to
Read like a Pro.

The Creative Act - Part 2

Be tree, be water

The Creative Act

In the Blink of an Eye

In Pursuit of Inspiration

10 Famous Quotes on Creativity

Seven Transformations of Leadership

Myers & Briggs' 16 Personality Types

The Universe as a Cognitive Entity (CTMU Series)

A Technique for Producing Ideas

It's time to Read like a Pro.

It's time to
Read like a Pro.