Work In Colour - Work. Think. Live. In Colour
Monday 16th May 2011 | 5 comments
Music is very very important to me. I listen to it when I am up, down and most places in between. It stimulates my creativity, balances my mood and helps me cook (seriously...). Soon I am going to start cello lessons, which may prove to be a place too far, but I'm sure it will be an interesting experiment, at the very least.
The effect of music specifically on creative output has been documented in several studies.
The following exercise is about tapping into this creativity-enhancing side of music. You don't need to understand the theory in order to get the benefits of this, but if you are interested, have a look at The Mozart Effect by Don Campbell. It's full of fascinating stats and information, as well as plenty of practical exercises for increasing brain function, developing links between the right and left sides of the brain and more.
But for now, here's the exercise - a marvellous 'whole body' experience, and an excellent way to get those creative juices flowing up and out:
Select a piece of music that you like, one that is long and complex enough to do the following exercise with.
Close your eyes and stand for a minute or two, breathing in and out and relaxing any tension in your body. As you breathe out, release tension form the feet, knees, thighs, hips, pelvis, stomach, upper torso, arms, elbows, hands, shoulders and head.
As the music starts to play, imagine you are a world famous conductor in front of a great orchestra. Conduct with your arms, and notice that you are conducting the music, and at the same time the music is conducting you, flowing through your body and informing the movements of your hands and arms.
If you can, start to conduct with other parts of your body...head, legs, feet etc. It's not about dancing so much as being one with the music...think of yourself as a sculptor with sound.
Practice with the same piece for at least a few days , becoming more familiar with it and letting its spirit infuse you. A 10 - 20 minute session a day will balance the brain waves and help free up your creativity - and it also provides a bit of an aerobic workout too!
What place does music have in your life?
Tags: creativity, tips
You are so right when you say music releases your creativity. I do this exercise when I am stuck on an idea for a new design. I find some music that is appopriate for the space I am designing for or that is a favourite of the client, close my eyes and let my hand draw lines on paper to the rhythm of the music - I also let the music dictate the colour used. Once I have the basic lines inspired by the music I then have the catalyst for a room, piece of furniuture, fabric or whatever it is I need to complete the idea that I am working on.
Robyn, what an interesting example. Love the interwoven threads of music, creativity, your client and the brief. Thanks so much for sharing it!
Joanna, I am going to love doing the music conductor and meditation - I have had Mum staying with me the past week, she's 96 yrs and very fiercely independent, but has been so full on I have not had a chance to do anything for me. I'm back at night shift until next Thursday when I will be back down the coast. I look forward to commencing then. Best wishes from Annie Stewart.
Annie, that sounds like a great plan, good luck with it!
Will certainly try this out!