How Genius Works — More Little Truths than Big Revelations

Laurie Anderson said, “writing about music is like dancing about architecture.” I suppose that means there is some disconnect in the modes of expression. But, still, we do it…. We talk about music and all the arts even more, which is worse, really, because there is little opportunity for pith.

Many artists like to let their work speak for itself. However, they love to discuss the craft, or how they got the IDEA, and then how they worked the IDEA into self-expression, and then into the work.

Since artists are not natural analysts, you have to listen hard to glean any long-term truths. In “The Atlantic Monthly” piece “How Genius Works,” geniuses such as T. C. Boyle, Chuck Close, Paul Simon, Grant Achatz and Frank Gehry discuss a bit of their crafts. The results are mixed, but probably different for each reader.

I particularly liked Frank Gehry’s piece, speaking of dancing to architecture. As an architect, Gehry actually is a natural analyst, which comes through both in what he says and how he says it. As is often the case, his genius comes down to a simple paradox. He explains, “You’re intuitive, but your intuition is informed.” That should last awhile.