How to write

I found this critical analysis of the writing MFA system to be fascinating - thinking about the way that systems normalize themselves and become conservative, the parallels with the Art MFA system, as well as the differences.

I've been thinking about alternative ways of creatively putting together words - ways that stand outside the Writing MFA system. For example, there is a lot of writing in the visual arts. "Mortal Treasures" is clearly a creative work that involves the use of language - using both the techniques of narrative storytelling and abstract poetics. But as a video art work it has its roots in collage, both in terms of technique of creation, intended effect, and its art historical roots. The fully closed and depressingly terminal system that is described in the linked article makes for a great horror story, and I would not argue with the claim that such academic systems are inherently conservative in the way the author describes, but all systems are open and therefore unstable. The writing that is happening in the art world is just one example of the many grey areas that are potentially rich grounds for experimentation, growth, and revolution.

Not that I have such a lofty opinion of my own work, but I did feel a great freedom while creating it - editing on FinalCut - that I do not feel when writing any handwritten (as opposed to collaged) text for public consumption.