I just finished reading Keith Richards book “Life”. Everyone who works with me knows I am a musician, guitar player, jazz-head, blues aficionado. I’ve played guitar almost as long as I have been making photographs. The two go together.
The creative process fascinates me. Where do the ideas for original works come from? Keith Richards speaks to this in a wonderful way throughout his book. He just says, “I don’t know! I sit down and things start coming to me…” I feel that close connection with him and everyone who creates. I don’t know where the ideas come from either. You go into the zone and things start to flow. That’s it! It does not matter what medium; film, video, still photography, music, painting – creativity works the same way in all of them. Just let go and the ideas pour in. It’s an amazing gift.
As I was reading the book I remembered that I met Mr. Richards when I was 4 years old. Met the entire Rolling Stones on their way through New York City. Not much was said aside from polite “hellos” but I still have a great visual burned into my brain of the Stones coming off the Ed Sullivan show backstage. They were so young and thin!
I recommend Keith’s book to anyone who is interested in creative people, and especially blues music. It’s a good read and can make you feel closer to the entire web of creatives in our world.
Cheers!
Nick