| In December
2005 Paul
McCartney hosted a special solo performance from Abbey Road
studios and performed unusual versions of his Beatles and solo songs.
He also gave demonstrations into how he wrote and recorded them.
We were shown a rare insight into how the creative processes involved
in those hit records didn't end with the writing and performing
of the song but permeated throughout the recording sessions. Even
the methods of recording and production were 'played' as an instrument.
Strawberry Fields Forever began as
a simple acoustic guitar song from John. All four Beatles and producer
George Martin worked as a team to give their creative experimental
best to interpret it into possibly their greatest single track with
dr um tape loops, the mellotron (the first ever 'sythesizer'), orchestral
sounds and effects laden guitars. You can read more about the Beatles
in this
book.
It reminds us that the creative process
should flow on long after the initial idea or spark of inspiration
has occurred. It should turn into action, creative action that exploits
the best interpretation of the idea.
It reminds us of the concept of experimentation
and how out of controlled chaos come the best ideas. Creativity
arises out of the tension between spontaneity and limitations. The
limitations, such as time limits, budget constraints or even ability
are often derided but they all act to force the spontaneity into
the relevant form which is so essential for the finished work to
be a success.
Creativity is like the chaos of a
river, controlled by t he restrictions of the riverbank, guiding
it through the countryside. Without the riverbank it would just
be a flood plain, directionless, formless and flat.
What are the processes of chaos and
creation that go on in your backyard? What are the limitations that
shape your work? If you were to host an event like McCartney's Abbey
Road performance to discuss your life's work, what techniques and
serendipitous events could you reveal? When were the moments of
experimentation that led to methods that have propelled your life
and career onwards?
Creativity isn't just that eureka
moment (we all have those all the time). It's the process that turns
that moment into something new, something worthwhile.
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