Mason, I so appreciate you drawing attention to Panahi's situation and the broader political situation in Iran! Most people read this film as (only) a statement on Iran's censorship of filmmakers, so I really like this analysis of it through the creative process. If you haven't seen THE MIRROR, check that out. I think it's his best film.
Thanks, Sara! And, yes, I watched THE MIRROR right afterward and agree that it is incredible—the second half in particular felt like watching a tightrope act...
As many other commenters pointed out the idea of being 100% in doubt and 100% still doing it is remarkable! It reminds me a bit of Keats's "negative capability"-- the idea that great poets are able to hold opposing thoughts in their mind at the same time. Keats wasn't referring to creative doubt, but it strikes me as a very particular skill suited to the creative life. I've been working on Octavia Butler recently and she seemed to have the exact opposite approach--just flood yourself with positive self-talk. It definitely seemed to work for her.
Thank you, Jillian! I think you're right about there being some similarity to Keats's negative capability . . . or, at least, I'm flattered by the comparison!
Looking forward to reading more on Octavia Butler in your newsletter!
This is a wonderful testament to how constriction can sometimes be an incredible spur to further creativity and growth. I think it's worth all creative people thinking deeply about how they respond to the constriction of options, time, etc. and how they might invite opportunity through the experience. I know I just started a full-time job out of the house (first time since 2017) and the reduction in time to dither about has forced me to really step up and work whenever a chance presents itself, and not put it off in the hopes that I'll "get to it" when things feel more optimal.
That's a good point, that sometimes the most limiting constraints can end up leading to the most interesting solutions. And I've had the same experience as you, that having less time available can make the writing more potent or focused. Good luck!
This was like watching a preschooler in the school yard. I guess this is the one thing artists and makers know how to do better than most adults: they still know how to play.
The next time I'm stuck, I must remind myself: the antidote to doubt is play.
I love emails from you and always enjoy hearing your thoughts and insights on the creative journey. I like how you pull in stuff from other creators and make me feel less alone in my struggle to overcome resistance to making things.
“to be 100 percent in doubt about what you’re doing and 100 percent still doing it.” - YES. Forever. I needed this today thank you. Will go hunting down this not-film film - brilliant.
"This is the goal: to be 100 percent in doubt about what you’re doing and 100 percent still doing it."
Very inspiring words for me at this moment, as I work on a new recording. Thank you.
Thanks, Brian, glad that part resonated with you!
Mason, I so appreciate you drawing attention to Panahi's situation and the broader political situation in Iran! Most people read this film as (only) a statement on Iran's censorship of filmmakers, so I really like this analysis of it through the creative process. If you haven't seen THE MIRROR, check that out. I think it's his best film.
Thanks, Sara! And, yes, I watched THE MIRROR right afterward and agree that it is incredible—the second half in particular felt like watching a tightrope act...
(For anyone reading this, THE MIRROR is streaming on Criterion: criterionchannel.com/the-mirror-1 Highly recommended!)
As many other commenters pointed out the idea of being 100% in doubt and 100% still doing it is remarkable! It reminds me a bit of Keats's "negative capability"-- the idea that great poets are able to hold opposing thoughts in their mind at the same time. Keats wasn't referring to creative doubt, but it strikes me as a very particular skill suited to the creative life. I've been working on Octavia Butler recently and she seemed to have the exact opposite approach--just flood yourself with positive self-talk. It definitely seemed to work for her.
Thank you, Jillian! I think you're right about there being some similarity to Keats's negative capability . . . or, at least, I'm flattered by the comparison!
Looking forward to reading more on Octavia Butler in your newsletter!
This is a wonderful testament to how constriction can sometimes be an incredible spur to further creativity and growth. I think it's worth all creative people thinking deeply about how they respond to the constriction of options, time, etc. and how they might invite opportunity through the experience. I know I just started a full-time job out of the house (first time since 2017) and the reduction in time to dither about has forced me to really step up and work whenever a chance presents itself, and not put it off in the hopes that I'll "get to it" when things feel more optimal.
That's a good point, that sometimes the most limiting constraints can end up leading to the most interesting solutions. And I've had the same experience as you, that having less time available can make the writing more potent or focused. Good luck!
Deeply touching and very inspiring
This was like watching a preschooler in the school yard. I guess this is the one thing artists and makers know how to do better than most adults: they still know how to play.
The next time I'm stuck, I must remind myself: the antidote to doubt is play.
I love emails from you and always enjoy hearing your thoughts and insights on the creative journey. I like how you pull in stuff from other creators and make me feel less alone in my struggle to overcome resistance to making things.
Thank you, Courtney, that means a lot!
“...smuggled out of Iran on a flash drive concealed in a birthday cake.” So great!
I know—amazing, right?
Thanks for sharing this! No Bears was on my radar but now I'm going to check out This Is Not a Film as well. Sounds amazing.
I'm planning to see No Bears this weekend! If you get a chance to watch, I hope you enjoy This Is Not a Film — I think you will...
“to be 100 percent in doubt about what you’re doing and 100 percent still doing it.” - YES. Forever. I needed this today thank you. Will go hunting down this not-film film - brilliant.
Thanks, Agnes! I'm glad it hit home for you ☺️
Thanks, Lynn! Can't believe it took me this long to find Kanopy!
Thanks, Sophie, appreciate the kind words!