I am so happy to get reacquainted with this stairway today. This lovely spot is in Cascais, Portugal, a little coast town that is a 30 minute train ride from Lisbon. This stairway takes you from the sea up to the town. I loved the texture of the peeling paint and the exposure to the sea air. Looking at this photo today, I am reminded of music. A treble clef to start the line, and notes ascending. A beautiful melody of line and color and texture to see and hear. In my mind, the percussion of the sea is in the background, to support and tie it all together.
I have been thinking of the creative process this morning, as I am reading The 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women by Gail McMeekin. My creative process is a combination of regular practice, along with some little rituals. When I work at the computer, either writing or with photos, I love to have my cup of tea. That signals my brain, "It's time to create." When I'm writing or have something I need to really focus on, I also turn on classical music. I love classical music, but I save it for my personal creative time. The cup of tea and the music help me move quickly into a state of flow. It's amazing what happens from there.
Do you have any rituals that help you get into the creative zone? What is your creative process?
Loud music... my favorite is earphones on, everything else is blocked out. Diet Coke doesn't hurt either. I imagine that we each have a tried and true, a go-to process. When the mojo isn't flowing, I just wait...it always comes back, always has...
ReplyDeleteI tend to usually have a radio on in the background (talk rather than music). I don't listen to it but am uncomfortable with silence. This is one of the things I'm trying to address this year. However, having said that, I think music can be a real inspiration and sometimes I put on a CD of opera and find that really opens up my mind. Thanks for the book tip. I had a look and downloaded it for my iPad (the best thing that ever happened for iPad was the Kindle app in my opinion!)
ReplyDeleteI really love this picture. What a great stairway. Just lovely. The colors are so pretty. I get creative when I have extra time : ) I don't really know if I have a special process for it. I will think about it the next tme I am getting creative : )
ReplyDeleteGreat photo!
ReplyDeleteNeat stairway!
ReplyDeleteHmmmm - maybe I should read that book but my creative process is so hit or miss. There are days where creativity is pouring out of my body and other days where I feel like I need a jump! I think for me, it's simply being in a good frame of mind. I spent probably 3 hours writing last night and didn't even realize that the time had gone by. I love that feeling!
ReplyDeleteGreat shot! That stairway has amazing character, and I love the composition of the image with such strong diagonal lines.
ReplyDeleteTea, definitely tea, either iced or hot. And I love this photo, so many stories there! :D
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking a lot lately about rituals and daily practice - I think have a bit more of this in my life would do me a world of good. Thanks for sharing what works for you.
ReplyDeleteThe shot is gorgeous, but how you describe the exposure to the sea air & the percussion of the sea in the background...took me straight there!!! Lovely :)
ReplyDeleteThis stairway is beautiful Kat!
ReplyDeleteI love the texture and character of it, and you have captured it beautifully.
For me creativity happens when I have time, quiet, maybe some music, and always a camera in my hands.
Thank you for sharing your creative process!
My 'process' always begins in my body with a yoga practice. From there - hard to know where I'll go. Love the stairway. A beauty!!!
ReplyDeleteLove that staircase--can see why it would be admired and missed. Coffee and one of my peaceful, soft tapes gets my creative juices flowing. :)
ReplyDeletelove this shot!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful curves, wonderful color and texture. Makes me want to see what is at the top!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this photo, what a gorgeous stairway! My painting ritual includes lighting a yummy fruity candle, turning on music (depends on my mood and what I'm working on) and drinking coffee.
ReplyDeletexoEsther