The Art of Less
Creative Subtraction as a Path to Clarity
In my latest work, I've discovered creativity through sculpting: subtraction, not addition.
By sculpting, I mean stripping away the unnecessary, refining each moment to its simplest moment. It's through this process of removal that I've reached to the core of what I intended to create.
Working in this way requires a deep trust in oneself, and in the process, but can be very effective.
Just as art often mirrors life, authenticity is crucial. (I know I know…authenticity is often overused, but nevertheless)... When we hide behind elaborate and elevated extraneous words, (like I just did there), heavy/confusing plot lines, exaggerated personalities, or status symbols, our creative expression can falter—at least, that’s been my experience.
To navigate through this kind of resistance, I use a myriad of creative exercises. These practices help me strip away the superfluous in order to bring forth the real story.
I set creative constraints for myself, confining my artistry to a small, defined space. For example, I might restrict myself to using only three instruments, or adhere to a single style of pop music, before switching to perform the same piece as an opera. Pushing boundaries even further, I have experimented with singing an entire song using only vowels, revealing a unique texture in the music.
Another challenge might involve painting solely with the left hand, allowing the artist to discover new styles and strokes that emerge from this unfamiliar approach. (Although I cannot draw with my right hand either, so this might be lost on me.)
Using constraints is not always about the final product; it's often a means to spark new ideas.
Editing is challenging.
Removing words from a page that you've painstakingly crafted involves tough decisions. However, this process of letting go is essential. It clears space for more precise, focused storytelling, which is what truly allows a piece to resonate deeply with its audience.
It can be challenging to trust this process, both for you and for me. It often seems more time-consuming and can lead to dead ends. Yet, these are not just any dead ends; they are ones we never knew existed until we embarked on this journey. Interestingly, these very dead ends might weave their way into the work, enriching it.
This approach to creativity mirrors life itself—or at least, my life. I find that I thrive when I release the old narratives to make room for new ones.
Just like in life, letting go creatively involves a certain kind of mourning, but this grief is ultimately healed by the fresh beginnings that follow.
