Does Age Dismantle Incentive To Be Creative?

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Judging the decline in activities leads me to believe that the two are interrelated. I'm thinking that stalling at getting started with a project hints of the logic in that train of thought.

chris ivey · From: california (deceased)

are you saying that you're so old you can't get it going anymore?

i'm pretty old but can still get the old energy up for something stimulating.

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Chris,

It will sneak up, little by little, to a certain point. When accomplishments number fewer and fewer, it may dawn on you that age has a lot to do with sustaining a growing ambition to learn more in music, repairs, solving problems, etc.

Bill McCloskey · From: Nanuet, NY

"Judging the decline in activities leads me to believe that the two are interrelated."

Who's activities? Yours?

Are you saying you are now less creative than you used to be? The opposite is the case for me.

Maybe you just need a vacation bill

Charley Wilder · From: Dover, New Hampshire, USA

Interesting subject. I find although I don't tend to learn any new basic techniques anymore, I'm actually much more creative with what I do know if that makes any sense. Another way of putting it would be; I have enough technique to play what I hear, but I keep hearing new things to play within that technique. Very Happy

Les Anderson · From: The Great White North

I think it could be that long time steel players have improvised, pushed the envelope and experimented so much in their career that they would now rather just keep it simple, relaxing and enjoyable.

When I was younger, I was one of those who continually pushed the envelope to see what I could get out my instruments. I just got tired of it.

Now, my main interest is to push my ability to see how much of a pedal steel sound I can get out of a long scale, D10 non-pedal.

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Then there are those senses that will bring tears to the eyes as we try to recall how the sounds of pins dropping in our youth, or the dripping of the eaves, on smooth surfaces by the foundation. Memories of clear vision, and having the ability to read the finest print lost to a gradual decline brings about a longing to return to my youth. At one time, I was as quick as a cat, slipping and falling was not a problem. The balancing act is another culprit that can be added to the list of this gradual decline of maintaining youthful practices.

Stuart Legg · Posted 15 Aug 2010 11:47 am

Welcome back Bill.

Brian Henry · Posted 15 Aug 2010 3:04 pm

Does Age Dismantle Incentive To Be Creative

No, Bill off course not!! What a silly question!!
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Mike Perlowin · From: Los Angeles CA

Speaking personally, at age 64, I feel more creative than ever. Having done 3 CDs, I feel I've done enough recording, and am branching into a totally new and different type project: writing arrangements for pedal steel guitar and symphony orchestra. Hopefully I'll get a chance to perform these in a year or two.

So far I've written 10. I plan to write 10 more between now and the end of the year.
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Jonathan Cullifer · From: Gallatin, TN

Only if you let it. When there's a will, there's a way.

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Bill McCloskey,

Several replies that warrant responses are very much appreciated. Bill, yours in particular is a bit snappish with a hint of taking potshots. Is there anything more irritating than a "sniper" wandering about a workshop making unfounded critical statements? You would suggest that there isn't a lessening in creative activities, with a few rare exceptions as time robs our peak desires to be creative. This gradual dismantling of creative desires, bucks up against a cemented plan to remain unchanged. I wish that there could be a better definition for retirement, and the reasons for surrendering to its grip on the golden years.

Bill McCloskey · From: Nanuet, NY

"Judging the decline in activities"

Bill, if you are going to leave ambiguous statements, you can't help if people ask for clarification. Your post does not make clear whether you are speaking about an issue with yourself, or is some comment on the rest of the forum, or some individuals that you know. It is unclear so:

1. I asked for clarification.
2. I reported that in fact as I get older I'm feeling more creative than I did in my younger days.
3. and my 3rd point was, if you were in fact talking about yourself, I've found that getting away from it all recharges the creative juices.

Please don't blame the responders for your own inability to write clearly.

Jim Pitman · From: Waterbury Ctr. VT 05677 USA

I believe there is some merit to Bill's postulation.
There's something to be said for being young, dumb, and full of ....
I heard Bob Dylan say in an interview recently he can't believe how good of a writer he was.

Barry Blackwood · Posted 16 Aug 2010 6:35 am

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Bill McCloskey,

True, true, true, Bill. Some folks are ambiguous by nature. It is so common that it's without a doubt in natures plan as a means of preventing those so blessed, not rushing headlong into an inextricable situation. Man is known for his compassions, as well as the instinct to rule or control. We all fear the inevitable, as well as the grizzly bear, gorillas, lions and tigers, to name a few of human dreads. As we age, our health can become an issue, as bodily changes signal that more effort will be required to maintain good physical and mental faculties. We can find youth more pleasing than words will ever portray, as we work and wander through the carefree years of our lives. I submit that a waning youth may have more to do with creativity than is first realized. Realizing the decline, is what I'm driving at.

Bill McCloskey · From: Nanuet, NY

"Some folks are ambiguous by nature."

No one is ambiguous by nature in my opinion. They are ambiguous by intent.

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Bill McCloskey,

I beg to differ. We haven't a shred of a clue IMO how we came to be, or where we will be going. I try not to fear the unknown. That is part of natures plan to go about not heeding, and shunning the "troll" and pessimism, so long as it satisfies a lifestyle that is moderately inquisitive.

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Barry,

That's a rude entry you've made by overshooting your mark once again. The effects of pernicious calumny would be highly objectionable in the courts of a prince. One day your unspeakable treasures will, much to your chagrin land squarely in the lap of your equal. I wouldn't walk away from that pay back time scenario.

Charles Davidson · From: Phenix City Alabama, USA

TK
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Mike Perlowin · From: Los Angeles CA

Bill, What in blazes do the words "pernicious calumny" mean? When you use words like that, nobody knows what you're talking about.

You have a lot of interesting ideas, but you have a problem articulating your thoughts clearly and succinctly. Many of us, (me included) do not have your vocabulary, and have a great deal of trouble understanding you.

You need to make a deliberate effort to make your posts as clear and easily understood as possible, using common everyday words that everybody understands.
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Please visit my web site and Soundcloud page and listen to the music posted there.
http://www.mikeperlowin.com http://soundcloud.com/mike-perlowin

Theresa Galbraith · From: Goodlettsville,Tn. USA

I agree with Jonathan and Mike! Smile

Brint Hannay · From: Maryland, USA

Seems to me some of you have developed a knee-jerk response of hostility to Bill that keeps you from reading his posts with the openness you'd generally have toward others.

His initial post here was by no means an example of tortuous writing. I found it quite easy to understand. FWIW, I think Bill is speaking for himself, not seeking to provoke antagonism.

Ken Byng · From: Southampton, England

Brint Hannay · From: Maryland, USA

Ken--

Your point is well taken. This thread initially should have been in "Music", I'd say. There's nothing specifically "steel guitar" about it. Of course, by the point you quoted it has already drifted into the usual personal attack/defense mode that Hankey threads always seem to.

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