Jennifer Noxon

"Being creative," says Twyla Tharp, "is an everyday thing, a job with its own routines. That's why writers, for example, like to establish a routine. The most productive ones get started early in the morning when phones aren't ringing and their minds are rested and not polluted by other people's words. They might set a goal--1500 words or stay at their desk until noon--but the real secret is that they do this every day. After a while it becomes a habit......This is no different for a painter finding his way to the easel or a medical researcher returning to the laboratory. The routine is as much a part of the creative process as the lightning bolt of inspiration (perhaps more). And it is available to everyone. If creativity is a habit, then the best creativity is the result of good work habits. They are the nuts and bolts of dreaming."

It was this quote that led me to buying her book The Creative Habit: Learn It And Use It For Life. I was curious to see what a master choreographer/dancer had to say about the creative process. I figured she would use a different vocabulary and offer different kinds of exercises - more focused on movement. Though this was true, she writes in a universal language that artists from all mediums can appreciate. And it was refreshing to read about her process - in the context of dance - different references and examples kept my attention and kept me 'translating' into my personal language. In one chapter she writes about the 'spine' of a piece...I particularly loved that metaphor for what she describes as "the statement you make to yourself outlining your intentions for the work."  One of the suggested exercises is to look at a favourite piece of art and try to determine the spine of the piece. Sometimes I can 'find' it...or 'see' it, or 'get' it. Sometimes I can't. When I can't, I am left asking what is it then that draws me to the piece?

This book is loaded with exercises that follow her thoughts on process and challenge the reader to explore and expand their own process. Some involve movement, others writing, some a visual task. And geez....and then there's her name. She tells a good story about that too.