Though it really began late last year, 2023 has brought with it a wave of creativity that has me more prolific than I’ve been in quite some time. While there have definitely been some changes in thought that have contributed to it—which I’ll dive into in an upcoming Iteration—much of how I’m feeling and what I’m making is on the back of reading, listening to, and looking at the work of others. So I thought I would share a few of the artists and makers who have provided or added to some of my recent inspiration in the hope that they might resonate with you.
WRITING
James Clear is the author Atomic Habits, which happens to be next up on my reading list for February. He’s also the author of a fantastic newsletter called 3-2-1. The idea behind it is pretty simple: 3 ideas from him, 2 quotes from other people, and 1 question to think about. I consistently love it and I totally wanted to rip it off for my own newsletter, but realized that he not only did it first, but does it better than I ever could. One of the ideas in the latest edition is a real gem: “The more time you spend complaining about what you deserve, the less time you have to focus on what you can create. Focus on what you can control.”
MUSIC
If you have an interest in modular synthesis or a desire to learn VCV Rack, look no further than Omri Cohen. Not only is Omri a terrific musician, he is an excellent educator who presents concepts and ideas in a way that allows newcomers like me to feel like they’ve learned something that can actually be applied and built upon as their own knowledge and experience increases. In addition to giving away an incredible amount of knowledge for free, he has also built a thriving Patreon community around VCV and learning modular synthesis.
ART
If I’m being honest, my social media game has always been pretty weak. I use Twitter primarily to connect with people and the main reason I’m still on Instagram is to see the incredible work being made by visual artists. Here are three of many who routinely inspire me with their work.
Allison B Cooke is a brilliant painter who works primarily in cold wax. Despite the fact that much of her work uses a similar color palette, she always seems to find ways to make it feel fresh and unique and I absolutely love the textures she creates.
I started following abstract artist Kippi Leonard late last year and I think what I love most about her work is just how bold it is, without it feeling like it’s trying too hard. Some of her work features hard-edged geometric shapes, while others are softer and more muted, yet it all feels cohesive.
The work of mixed media artist Mark Charlton resonates with me on a number of levels. His colors and textures are right in my wheelhouse and his use of bold, graphic elements reminds me of designers like Chris Bigg and Vaughan Oliver.
Let me give back...’The Creative Act’ Rick Rubin. Suggest listening at least once. Your Iteration is the “universe” talking to me. Thank you. FYI “CellDamage”- brilliant. R
Lots of links to good creatives here, thank you Jeffery.