“It’s going to happen sometimes: Despite all the good habits you’ve developed, the preparation rituals, the organizational tools, the techniques for scratching out pre-ideas and actual ideas, there will come a time when your creativity fails you.” Twyla Tharp goes on to differentiate between a rut and a groove and how to diagnose the problem you’re facing before you slide into the pit of depression.
A former painting student of mine emailed me recently with the complaint that she’s stuck, can’t do anything on that canvas. I recommended Twyla Tharp’s book, “The Creative Habit,” which guides the artist through the diagnosis of the problem in a very level-headed way. She asks, is it a failure of skill, of concept, or judgment; or are you stuck through repetition or from denial? Each of these topics is discussed in practical terms and in spirited language, without any glibness. Then, what can you do to get out of your rut? I’m resisting the temptation here of quoting particularly pithy sentences because there’s no instant fix. There’s not one quote that will illuminate you and set the juices flowing again. Art making is basically serious, often painful, and most of the time–difficult. The book as a whole—and it has to be taken as a whole—is a guide for putting something together, in this case, the creative process. I recommend that every artist, in whatever medium, make a serious study of “The Creative Habit.”
While we’re on the topic, I’ll make two more recommendations:
Another book, “Art and Fear” by David Bayles and Ted Orland, 1993. 118 pages.
And a documentary, “Inspirations” by Michael Apted, 1997. 140 minutes.
For videos on Twyla Tharp, you may want to start with
artamaze by Katherine Hilden 
Very timely, thanks for the recommendations!
Thank you, JanettMarie, for your continued interest. “The Creative Habit” was published in 2003. It runs 240 pages. You’ll be able to get it at your public library. “Art and Fear” should be at your main branch, and if not, check the university library in Indy. The movie, “Inspirations,” you can get from Netflix. All of it, wonderful stuff.
Art and Fear is still in print–I just finished a copy from the Evanston library and ordered 2 copies online, one for me and one for my teenaged neighbor who has gotten into printmaking. While it’s not written specifically for teens, one of its values is that it’s plain spoken & practical, short and organized in a way that makes it easy to dip into anywhere. I had to be diligent to finish the library copy because I couldn’t renew it–there are ‘holds’ waiting to get it. Word gets around…
I also really enjoyed reading the Twyla Tharp book when you mentioned it in class some time ago. It was long enough ago that I couldn’t tell you anything specific from the book, but I remember really liking it. I’ll have to put a hold on it again at the library. And I’ll have to see if I can get the documentary on Netflix–didn’t see it in the library catalog, although they did have other documentaries by Michael Apted.
Yes, it’s written in English, not artspeak. I’m glad to hear it’s being reserved at the library. Word gets around. That’s a good sign.