“As an artist I find the ancient Chinese tradition of wenren (men of the arts) irresistible. It regards composing or any other creative medium as an integral part of the arts — the ultimate expression of the oneness between the human spirit and nature. In qinqu (music for the zither), as in caoshu (cursive calligraphy), dotting lines, accentuating turns, fluctuating density and modulating texture join to reveal mind in equilibrium — in knowledge, discipline, aspirations, and intuition.” — Chou Wen-chung (from Brochure on Chou Wen-chung)

 

I created a collage while listening to the music of Cho Wen-Chung, who has been called the father of modern Asian composition. My husband had the privilege of working with this amazing composer and I spoke with him after a concert while I was writing my book, Sound Cliff: Twelve Words to a More Creative Life. He told me that there is a Chinese word for artist called a “wenren.” It is different than English because it means that there is no distinction between a poet, a musician or a painter. I had actually had that thought in mind while creating the collage! I was thrilled to hear it voiced.

When was the last time you made a collage? Kindergarten?

Can you create a collage?

Can you create a collage while listening to music sung in a language you don’t speak?

Can you sing along?

Imagine now, that you are an artist from another time or place. See how that changes what or how you write.

The word this week is PROPEL. I like this word for week ten, because with only two weeks left to go, it’s time to blast off. Take your work forward. Plow ahead. If you get stuck, just think of this magical word, Propel. Let it be your rocket ship.