bit by bit…
Easy does it, but do it.
Today I read a wonderful essay in my new Julia Cameron book, The Sound of Paper. As is often the case when I pick up one of her books, it was just what I needed to read. She told me how Richard Rodgers, through turning up at his piano on a daily basis produced a vast selection of 900 plus works.
This ties in with my current quest for sustainable creativity. Easy does it is my mantra of the moment. Bit by bit is how I like to think of myself making work. I’m trying to picture myself strolling along, instead of rushing, running, chasing. That’s it, I’m on a gentle walk
My companion on my stroll perhaps has to be someone called Routine. He’s a new friend of mine and someone I don’t know too well yet. I am trying to get to know him. For a lot of years I’ve struggled with trying to create routines - my mistake has always been that they have been too crowded. In my current state of health my routine needs to be small and flexible - it has to largely make it’s own shape. For instance, I’m noticing that I’m posting to my blog two or three times a week. I’d like it to be more but it doesn’t ever seem to be - perhaps it will one day. I think I ought to draw every day, but my shape seems to be a little less often than that. Bit by bit, I’m still building a body of work so, for now this is enough.
The thing about this gentle routine then is that it is sustainable. I’ve been posting to my blog and drawing for the best part of a year now. That’s a habit now. I’m not Richard Rodgers at his piano every morning, but I am making work and keeping at it.





November 29th, 2004 at 10:38 pm
…and i enjoy reading your blog (also relate to this post in some way!)
November 30th, 2004 at 4:14 pm
That Julia Cameron is such a great writer for us all she has pulled back the curtian of mystery about how to make art and live a fully creative life. Thanks Michael for your HUGE efforts! From where I am sitting your BLOG is a jewel box that is always a delight to open.
Frederick
November 30th, 2004 at 6:15 pm
hi… just visiting again and wanted you to remember that fighting fatigue is a battle that requires much more strength than most people know. i know. 2-3 postings a week is great production. worth celebrating… we celebrate your rich drawings from around the world, we profit… thank you
December 1st, 2004 at 12:13 am
Happening onto your blog today was definitely one of those moments of synchonicity for me! You are an inspiration & an encouragement to a baby artist struggling for her own routine. THANK YOU!
December 1st, 2004 at 12:27 pm
Hi Michael. I got my ‘Living the Creative Life’ Email digest today and wondered if you knew about it —fits in with the Julia cameron stuff and alot of what you’re saying/ thinking at the mo. have a look at www.creativelife@topica.com and at Sharon Good’s book athttp://www.cafepress.com/beingatortoise.12941999. Might be interesting to you
all the best
December 7th, 2004 at 2:05 pm
Hi Michael, fellow Illustrated Blogger. I’ve been meaning to tell you how lovely your blog and your drawings are. And congrats for The Beany enterprise, it looks fabulous. When things get better for me financially, I will order it.
Your post about gentle routine is so true and so apt for everyone, whatever their state of mind or health. I have a big problem with routine - ie the routines I get into are ones I want to get out of!
Best of luck and good wishes.