I've been thinking about the role of discipline in an artist's work. What is your experience?
Do you find is easier to work when structure is imposed on you?
Is there a certain time of day you like to work?
A certain place?
How do you overcome distractions?
Best,
Laura
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I'm not Aaron Sorkin. I love him. I love him. I do find your blog interesting, and will reply with my own thoughts and experiences. Let me know if they are unwelcome. I, too, am a working, professional actor and find these queries to be prevalent and common. Use Josh's voice if it helps.
I find discipline and art to be somewhat at odds. Our creativity frequently rejects any attempt to be governed, but as professionals we must learn to honor our instinct while acknowledging the existence of boundaries. To that end, I feel we are at our best when we accept our "ambition" lapses, even our distractions, and realize that they, too, exist for a reason. We are in an industry which is quite serendipitous and full of exceptions to the rule of hard work and discipline. Knowing yourself is key. Chances are, if you're the kind of person to ask this question, discipline is less of an issue than you think. You'll know when it's time to really buckle down and you can trust that that hour and a half on the couch ingesting crap television is the necessary "distraction" your spirit needed. If you ask ten people the structure question I'll bet you'll get different answers everytime. As a linear mind we crave an answer, but I feel that the answer to our creativity is singular and individual, and knows no formula. For me, frustration is usually the impetus for a flurry of activity. You have to find what that impetus is for you, make friends with it, and trust your instincts. The universe is just as likely to reward the actor who has relieved themselves of the desire to control the outcome as it is the actor who hammers away in search of success. Anyway, I stumbled onto your blog and wanted to give my input. I, too, would love to know Aaron's way...but I kind of think the fearlessness to make our own way without affirmation or consent is the key. Lucky are the brave...
Hi Racerx,
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. It's not only welcome, but encouraged!
For me, discipline and ritual are parallels that make my art better. I'm not hoping to pattern my way of working after Aaron's (I'm way too pigheaded for that!), but I do think it's a valuable question to ask. What works for you? Or does lack of discipline work for you?
Thanks again for joining the conversation.
Best,
Laura