CT ES | TY Pee a IMPROVisATION AeFree Play IMPROVISATION IN LIFE AND ART Stephen Nachmanovitch Jeremy P. Tarcher/Putnam a member of Penguin Putnam Inc. New YorkContents Prologue: A New Flute Introduction The Sources Inspiration and Time’s Flow The Vehicle The Stream The Muse Mind at Play Disappearing The Work Sex and Violins Practice The Power of Limits The Power of Mistakes Playing Together Form Unfolding Obstacles and Openings Childhood’s End Vicious Circles The Judging Spectre Surrender Patience Ripening 17 25 31 36 42 51 59 66 78 88 94 102 115 126 133 140 147 152:The Fruits Eros and Creation Quality Art for Life’s Sake Heartbreakthrough Notes Bibliography Illustrations 163 170 181 191 199 203 207 Paint as you like and die happy. HENRY MILLER