You are such a gifted writer, Courtney. I have been thinking about this topic a lot lately because I think culturally somewhere along the way there has been a shift where some of us are unwittingly believing we can do living and relationships so perfectly we can avoid vulnerability. Also: it’s summer of Toni Morrison for me and she is a master at writing in ways that are equal parts wise and vulnerable. Just finished rereading “Sula” and it has me thinking so deeply about this.
Thank you my friend. Yes -- it's unavoidable, maybe.. possibly.. important in a real relationship?! But so tempting to outsource it, flatten it for the internet, and brand the knock off as real. I haven't read Sula in years, must re-read. Toni Morrison always leaves me better than she finds me.
So beautiful…I love how so many of your posts have this amazing conversational quality, half imparting deep wisdom, half asking us questions…they remind me of those times sitting around a table with a good friend and a pack of p-funks and some drinks contemplating life…those were always my favorite times. 🥰
Hey Courtney. Thx for sharing this. More thoughts than I can share now as I sit having read this over breakfast but … the phrase discernment comes to mind. When we have grown up beyond “hiding” when do we share and with who and how much? And as artists … we are challenged to not just share but use our craft to make something powerful in some way. The feature film script I’m intending to make next … that’s been in progress for many years … as I’ve moved or grown up … from hiding to risking vulnerability. All my characters have issues they are hiding … without be aware of doing so … and by the end when one person makes a super vulnerable action … others are freed / released / inspired to do the same in their lives and relationships.
Yes totally. I think that freedom/release is what I want the art itself to do -- the work is vulnerable (not always necessarily the artist), and that's what frees/releases the audience. Though, the paradox: to create vulnerable work, the artist has to become vulnerable with themselves.
Yes. That script is set on Martha’s Vineyard and is “emotionally autobiographical”. And i had a lot of “emotional maturity” to develop to write it. But now it’s really working. …
"The heart bursts forth. It tells on me all the time." Literally me my entire life. As I read your piece, I couldn't help but long for the days of my early childhood, where I could simply exist without fear of someone telling me what I was doing or saying, or how I was doing or saying it was right or wrong. I knew exactly what I felt and exactly how to share it before I was taught to question those instincts.
I don't have to share everything — but sometimes, the cringe and crazy help people SO much! I have to assess if I'll get hurt from it. I have to think before posting. The reality is posting on the internet is a JOB, even if it's not your job or art form, because it's a treacherous world out here! I just went into it in my last post.
You are such a gifted writer, Courtney. I have been thinking about this topic a lot lately because I think culturally somewhere along the way there has been a shift where some of us are unwittingly believing we can do living and relationships so perfectly we can avoid vulnerability. Also: it’s summer of Toni Morrison for me and she is a master at writing in ways that are equal parts wise and vulnerable. Just finished rereading “Sula” and it has me thinking so deeply about this.
Thank you my friend. Yes -- it's unavoidable, maybe.. possibly.. important in a real relationship?! But so tempting to outsource it, flatten it for the internet, and brand the knock off as real. I haven't read Sula in years, must re-read. Toni Morrison always leaves me better than she finds me.
So beautiful…I love how so many of your posts have this amazing conversational quality, half imparting deep wisdom, half asking us questions…they remind me of those times sitting around a table with a good friend and a pack of p-funks and some drinks contemplating life…those were always my favorite times. 🥰
That is so kind of you to say and also I would 100% sit around that table with you any day. xx
Hey Courtney. Thx for sharing this. More thoughts than I can share now as I sit having read this over breakfast but … the phrase discernment comes to mind. When we have grown up beyond “hiding” when do we share and with who and how much? And as artists … we are challenged to not just share but use our craft to make something powerful in some way. The feature film script I’m intending to make next … that’s been in progress for many years … as I’ve moved or grown up … from hiding to risking vulnerability. All my characters have issues they are hiding … without be aware of doing so … and by the end when one person makes a super vulnerable action … others are freed / released / inspired to do the same in their lives and relationships.
Yes totally. I think that freedom/release is what I want the art itself to do -- the work is vulnerable (not always necessarily the artist), and that's what frees/releases the audience. Though, the paradox: to create vulnerable work, the artist has to become vulnerable with themselves.
Excited to hear more about your next script. :)
Yes. That script is set on Martha’s Vineyard and is “emotionally autobiographical”. And i had a lot of “emotional maturity” to develop to write it. But now it’s really working. …
"The heart bursts forth. It tells on me all the time." Literally me my entire life. As I read your piece, I couldn't help but long for the days of my early childhood, where I could simply exist without fear of someone telling me what I was doing or saying, or how I was doing or saying it was right or wrong. I knew exactly what I felt and exactly how to share it before I was taught to question those instincts.
I know what you mean, sometimes I feel like life is one long winding journey back to that instinct, or inner voice.
Exactly!
This is a beautiful read. More than one corner of my psyche feels rattled and uncomfortably SEEN.
From my psyche to yours, thank you for reading!
This is so beautiful Courtney.
Thank you for contributing to it, Tom! Appreciate you.
I don't have to share everything — but sometimes, the cringe and crazy help people SO much! I have to assess if I'll get hurt from it. I have to think before posting. The reality is posting on the internet is a JOB, even if it's not your job or art form, because it's a treacherous world out here! I just went into it in my last post.