Free Play: Improvisation in Life and Art

Reading Free Play is a journey; and as such, it is not an easy one. That is its most enduring reward. When a good friend gave me the book to read in 1993, I doubted what I could possibly gain from it, since I considered myself hopelessly awkward compared to her. Through such a toxic prism, I couldn't make any sense of the book, much less embrace it. It read like one big abstraction, with no relevance to me or my life. After a month of fitful starts and stops, I returned the book to my friend in frustration.Something about it, though, made me buy my own copy in 1998. I started taking voice lessons for singing early last year, and am preparing for a major performance next week. Two weeks ago, I decided to take another stab at reading Free Play. In doing so, I found my key to appreciating the book, and relishing all it has to offer, from beginning to end. Although Nachmanovitch is a musician, he beautifully expands the idea of Improvisation to include any medium through which we express ourselves, and live.Some friendly advice: When sitting down to read this book, get rid of all negative thoughts and judgments about yourself. While reading it, think of all the things in life you love to do, regardless of how well you or others think you do them. Whoever you are, and whatever you do, this book will help you discover what creativity is, where it comes from, how we block it, and how we can make it sizzle. If you stick with Free Play, you will get to know what's possible when you conquer fear and self-doubt just long enough to do what you love, for its own sake and on your own terms. Stephen Nachmanovitch has written a labor of love, and encourages us to see and live our lives this way. For that, Free Play is a true classic.

I am currently using sections from this book to teach a course in creativity. It is a superb overview of the subject; both motivational and rich in anecdote about the creative process of high-level artists and scientists. Great for breaking through any blocks you may have and extremely well written as well.

I love this book. I have read this highly readable book more than 25 times in the last five years. So much that I took its message to heart, as I will specify below. The book suggests inspiring stories, tips, and lessons for making yourself more flexible at the core. Let Go - this is the central message of the book. Letting go of our preconceived notions can improve our sense of autonomy, and help us play freely the game of life. Like a god. On one inspired moment after reading this book, earlier this year, I let go of this great book. So it won't any longer be a crutch I hold on to in every moment of difficulty. I have recommended this book to all my friends.

This a wonderful handbook for anyone trying to create art or live life creatively. It's practical in that offers helpful techniques on getting past "blocks." It's inspiring in its insights into the nature of the creative act. It's enjoyable to read with its plethora of quotations, illustrations and photographs, and teaching stories. It's wise, it's playful, its honest. In short, it's a piece of art in and of itself--accessible, illuminating, beautiful. It should be every artist's companion.

It's sub-title is "The Power of Improvisation in Life and the Arts," and it is truly a treasure for those who would seek new ways of creating and living. It contains well-informed discussions on sources of ideas; going about the work; silencing that ever-present critical shadow; and making art because "we have an ilienable right to create." With wonderful quotes from Henry Miller, Rumi, William Carlos Williams, William Blake and Martha Graham, to name a few, this book is completely dog-eared and remains my bed-side companion. I have given it as gifts to younger members of my family - who are not artists - to "cheer them on" them as they explore what their lives have to offer.