18.05.26
Sometimes a book spins your world view on its axis. Tiny experiments by Anne-Laure Le Cunff has gifted me a new map and way to travel.
I've long lived with a linear goal mentality and her suggested shift to an experimental life filled with small purposeful growth loops of learning feels like a radical notion. The creation of 'pacts' or repeated actions for a set duration of time is an obvious and practical way to establish and grow a creative practice.
Alongside this wonderful book, I've recently had the opportunity to dig deeper into my own creative patterns and rhythms. Diving into my wiring, owning my story and considering how I show up in the world has felt equal parts intense, electrifying, scary, vulnerable and enlightening.
It's now clearer to me that the art i share can be purely a generous act for those who enjoy it. I've found freedom in untangling my relationships between self-worth, creative output and the reception from others. I've also uncovered joy in realising that it's ok just to be just another brave & flawed human sharing what i love to do - make music and songs.
So now i'm boarding a new train on a different course. A ride where I make and share in a generous incremental way using what I have and the channels available to me. Where i commit to a practice of good enough and focus on appreciating connection, wonder and learning that can be found along the way as the main reason for this journey.
For a while now have been looking for a platform that values both creators & community. Patreon feels like the right fit and is where I plan to experiment with sharing my creative practice. I'm still figuring this out but if you're curious then I'd love you to join me on here. If you'd like to learn more about what Patreon is all about then this is a great video.
Lastly, as uncool or ordinary as it may seem, my pacts feel like important anchors in my work so I want to share mine for the next 3 months:
1) I will spend a minimum of 10-hours per week on music making for the next 12 weeks.
2) I will share 1 piece of creative work per week on patreon for the next 12 weeks.
3) I will dedicate 3-hours per week to teaching myself about the music industry eco-system for the next 12 weeks.
Stewart
