Sublime

These days, Twyla Tharp isn’t content to leave her fate in the hands of critics with coal-black little hearts. After she launches a new project, she invites a small group of people to review her work in progress. They help her spot and solve the problems she’s too close to see.

The editor steps back, views the work holistically, and supports its full potential. The editor is the professional in the poet.

There are many different hats the artist wears, and creativity is an internal discussion between these aspects of self. The negotiation continues until the selves create the best work they can together.

For both the artist and the athlete, the details matter, whether the players recognize their importance or not. Good habits create good art. The way we do anything is the way we do everything. Treat each choice you make, each action you take, each word you speak with skillful care. The goal is to live your life in the service of art.

Holding every rule as breakable is a healthy way to live as an artist. It loosens constraints that promote a predictable sameness in our working methods.