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About Eugene weekly. (Eugene, Oregon) 1993-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 4, 2003)
Winter Reading 2003-2004 to reach the next important stage in human fulfillment.” Although “This country has its fools and scoundrels,” Greider writes, “on the whole the people are quite remarkable, resourceful and serious about their lives, often courageous in the worst circum- stances. … We have only just begun to the story of who we are, what we might become as a nation.” This book looks at capitalism from many angles, from what’s taught in busi- ness schools to the paradoxes of high-tech enterprise and from the impact of local government to consumer demand. In all, Greider is optimistic about the engine that runs our economy. — Ted Taylor Unlock Your Creative DNA The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life, A Practical Guide by Twyla Tharp. Simon & Schuster, 2003. Hardcover, $25. “W ithout passion, all the skill in the world won’t lift you above craft. Without skill, all the passion in the world will leave you eager but floundering. Combining the two is the essence of the creative life.” So says one of this country’s most cre- ative choreographers in The Creative Habit, intended to be a practical guide to creativity for anybody, but in effect really useful for those who want to make art of any kind, but particularly dance. The book’s dozen chapters include a number of strategies for unlocking what Tharp calls one’s creative DNA. While many of them are potentially useful, they also function as a the author’s creative autobiography and a description of her own process. Chapter 2, “Rituals of Preparation,” is a case in point. Tharp describes her process of going to the gym and working out at an impossibly early hour of the day. Then she strongly advises readers to develop their own. Tharp isn’t known for either modesty or humility, and neither quality is apparent here, but her candor in Chapter 11, “An A in Failure” is commendable. In describing the Chicago tryout failure of what became the Tony-award winning Movin’ Out, she turns her own artistic problems into an object lesson in corrective action. It is interesting, if appalling, that Tharp, who is extraordinarily well read and artic- ulate and whose thinking is most of the time as elegant as her choreography, lists no women at all as her artistic heroes in any field. Beethoven, Mozart, Yeats, Rembrandt, Matisse, and Balanchine are on her list of role models — choices about whom no one can quibble — but does Tharp think no women belong on that list? Perhaps not, which is unfortunate, because the battle for recognition of women artists still needs to be fought and fought hard. That being said, The Creative Habit contains much that is interesting and prac- tical, particularly for artists beginning their careers. — Martha Ullman West Using Less, Living Better Radical Simplicity: Small footprints on a fi- nite Earth by Jim Merkel. New Society Publishers, 2003. Paperback, $17.95. P erhaps a more interesting story than the reconfigured concepts in Jim Merkel’s book is the author’s own transformation from Defense Department computer designer to sustainable-living guru. The Exxon Valdez spill raised Merkel’s con- sciousness, and he’s put the guilt to good use. After 14 years searching for a simpler way of life, Merkel has cre- ated a work that uses three tools to help those who want to recreate their lifestyle. The first measures the impact or ecological footprint you make on earth’s resources in your daily life, using a series of calculations designed to break down the smallest components of consumption into a measurable equation. The second tool offers a way to become finan- cially free by saving money, elimi- nating debt and finding right liveli- hood. The third emphasizes the need to get close to nature. At times a lovely, well-written read, at other times a slog through calculus, Radical Simplicity is nonetheless a worthwhile contribution to the body of sustainability literature. For those who can’t suffer through the math, another option to measure your ecological foot- print is found on the Internet at www.lead.org/leadnet/footprint/intro.htm Whether you use the book or take the online quiz, you’ll be amazed at how much more you consume than you need. —Aria Seligmann STOREWIDE SALE GIFTS GALORE Husqvarna Viking Sewing Machines Vacuums & More Energy Efficient! Stoves: Pellet, Gas, Wood Sewing, Vacuum, Spa & Stove 484-6006 1963 W. 6TH AVE. • EUGENE DECEMBER 4, 2003 25
