I'm fascinated by the subject of how sound affects our inspiration. Some people prefer to work in quiet. Some prefer music. Others prefer talk radio. I find all three to be appropriate at different times. A lot depends on the particular task. My favorite NPR shows are perfect for tasks like hand stitching, fusing, etc. Design work requires absolute silence. I turn to upbeat music while doing more routine aspects of surface design - mixing dyes, applying resists. And then there are the hybrid moments. When I'm working on design and surface design simultaneously. This occurs when I have a general plan, but I need to make spontaneous decisions as I'm printing my fabric.That's when I turn to meditative music.
I have had two very productive studio days this week. This is a welcome relief from a summer of lethargy. I was listening to a new CD both days - Music for a Shift in Consciousness. Based on research by Bruce Lipton and composed by Russel Walder, this music is designed to create a shift in brain activity to the calming alpha state. I suppose if you are in a more relaxed state, it is easier to be open to the flow of creativity and inspiration. So, can I credit my burst of inspiration to this CD? I don't really know. It may truly be just a coincidence. But I do know that I will keep listening!
Like you, Lisa I shift my music according to the task at hand. I really love to listen to quiet 'New Age' (that's what iTunes labels it, but I call it meditative) music most of the time when I work. However, sometimes I really need a bit of Bob Marley, Paul Simon, Dixie Chicks, Leonard Cohen, Norah Jones. Sometimes I listen to podcasts or a recorded book, but that is usually done at the gym when I can concentrate on my listening.
ReplyDeleteGlad you're back in the groove!
xo