I have subscribed to Robert Genn’s newsletter for like forever, but today’s was especially good:
First off, and contrary to what I’ve said before, plans can actually derail the voice-finding process. Further, you have to know what you mean by “voice.” Voice in style is different than voice in cause. Ideally, style develops over time. Cause is based on attitude and issue. With growth and development, causes change. A predetermined voice shackles creativity. To find your very own voice, I think you need to have a few things going for you:
You need to make stuff. Artists who put in regular working hours find their voice. Work itself generates clarity and direction. It’s like invention–one thing leads to another.
I’m a little fuzzy on a) why he changed his mind about having a plan and b) what voice in cause is.
So I’m going to climb into bed with my newly arrived FiberArts magazine and ponder this. Or something like it. Or look at the pretty pictures.
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