The hottest Creative Expression Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Introducing Maria Theresa

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 362 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Poetry Art Writing Creative Expression
  1. The publication is looking to explore poetry more, feeling it is an area they haven't fully tapped into yet. They want to find a poet whose style fits their evolving themes.
  2. Maria Theresa, a pseudonymous poet, is introduced as someone who holds strong feelings of connection to her literary influences. Her poetry is deeply personal and tied to her admiration for another famous poet.
  3. Despite her reluctance to publish her work, Maria Theresa has agreed to share her poetry on this platform, noting her desire for her work to reflect a spiritual connection rather than a commercial one.

Cruising for Classical Music in LA

The Honest Broker • 7879 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Music Art Literature Education Creative Expression
  1. Dana Gioia's passion for modern classical music started in his teenage years when he sought out composers like Stravinsky and Copland instead of popular music.
  2. Today, technology has made it much easier to access a wide variety of music, unlike the past when finding new pieces required significant effort and was often limited.
  3. Diving into music discussions and experiences with friends helped shape individual tastes, and exploring art personally is more meaningful than relying on others' opinions.

My New Favorite Music Genre Is Polish Noir

The Honest Broker • 8344 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🎶 Music Genres Artists Cultural Trends Music Reviews Creative Expression
  1. There's a new music genre called Polish Noir, which has a dark and melancholic vibe but also feels uplifting. It's perfect for those looking for deeper, more meaningful sounds.
  2. Polish Noir music often has a trance-like quality and is influenced by mysticism. It's different from mainstream music and invites listeners to connect with their emotions.
  3. The genre features talented artists like Hania Rani who create unique, ritualistic music that's not about commercial success. It's about artistry and evoking a special feeling.

Summer (un)Schooling

Austin Kleon • 9052 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
🚌 Education Unschooling Hobbies Outdoor activities Creative Expression
  1. Summer is a great time for unschooling, which means learning and having fun outside of traditional classrooms. It's a chance to explore and rest at the same time.
  2. Getting outside is important, whether it’s through walking, biking, or gardening. Nature can inspire and refresh you.
  3. Do what makes you happy, whether that's reading for fun, trying new hobbies, or just relaxing. It’s all about enjoying yourself and having a good time.
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The Moment I Knew I Had ADHD

The Reclamation Era • 79 implied HN points • 08 Aug 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health ADHD Awareness Personal Growth Creative Expression
  1. The author experiences moments of panic and shame related to forgetting important tasks or details. This reflects a struggle many face when managing responsibilities.
  2. ADHD is a constant presence in the author's life, often affecting daily organization and memory. It highlights the challenges people with ADHD encounter regularly.
  3. The author's messy closet symbolizes the chaos in their mind and life, representing feelings of failure and frustration. It shows how external clutter can mirror internal struggles.

Comics from 1984/04 Creative Computing Mag

Computer Ads from the Past • 384 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
💥 Comics Humor Nostalgia Creative Expression
  1. There are comics from an April 1984 issue of Creative Computing magazine that are quite nostalgic. They remind us of how far technology and advertising have come since then.
  2. The creator is busy but promises to release an ad and an interview soon, showing their dedication to the content.
  3. Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts on what future computer ads they would like to see, making it interactive and engaging.

Ars Poetica

Seven Senses • 539 implied HN points • 25 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Poetry Art Music Literature Creative Expression
  1. Poetry connects us to deeper feelings and the divine. Unlike regular language, it speaks to our soul and can feel more complex or mysterious.
  2. Poetry can take many forms beyond written words, including art, sound, and even scents. This shows how flexible and expressive poetry can be.
  3. Everyday experiences can be tied into poetry, whether it's through textiles or video. This makes poetry a part of our daily lives and interactions.

New Year's Wishes for Substack

Castalia • 979 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
📚 Literature Writing Publishing Creative Expression Community Innovation
  1. Substack should focus on great writing. The platform needs more individual voices and unique styles, rather than just advice and shortcuts among writers.
  2. People need to realize that publishing isn't the only measure of quality. A lot of interesting writing is happening outside traditional outlets, and more folks should engage with that.
  3. It's important for Substack to keep supporting free speech. This allows for a more open and creative environment where writers can express themselves freely without unnecessary moderation.

The genius of Caravaggio

Wrong Side of History • 441 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Art history Artists Painting Cultural Theory Creative Expression
  1. Caravaggio was a very influential artist known for his unique style using light and dark contrasts. This technique is called 'chiaroscuro' and inspired many other artists and filmmakers.
  2. He had a tumultuous life, filled with fights and adventures, which sometimes got him into serious trouble, like killing a man in a duel. Despite his bold personality, he faced many struggles, especially in his early life.
  3. Caravaggio's paintings often portrayed religious themes but in a way that made them relatable to ordinary people. His work was not just beautiful; it also had a deep connection to the social and political issues of his time.

A Matter of Moments

Seven Senses • 679 implied HN points • 05 May 23
🎭️ Culture Creative Expression Personal narratives
  1. Grief is a deeply personal experience that changes over time. Everyone feels and processes it in their own unique way.
  2. Creative expressions, like art and cooking, can be powerful ways to cope with grief. They help us connect with our memories and emotions.
  3. Grief can shake our foundations, but it also rearranges our priorities and encourages us to live more fully in the present moment.

re-encountering language

Thicket Forte • 379 implied HN points • 14 Mar 23
📚 Literature Poetry Writing Language Creative Expression Artistic Process
  1. Sometimes, new and surprising thoughts can come when we allow ourselves to explore language freely. Writing poetry can help unlock emotions and ideas we didn’t know we had.
  2. People often hide their pain behind a calm surface, but deep feelings can be revealed through creative expression. Language can connect us to the raw emotions of ourselves and others.
  3. Language isn't just about rules and grades; it can be a way to communicate something real and important. Embracing this freedom can make our words feel powerful and alive.

Fractal Block World

Donkeyspace • 11 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Video Games Pop culture Creative Expression
  1. Video games are fascinating because they mix creativity and interactivity, making them a unique art form. However, sometimes people feel disconnected from them or are unsure if they still find joy in gaming.
  2. Minecraft has managed to keep its charm and creativity over the years, showing that there are still interesting and positive gaming experiences out there. This can help rekindle passion for the gaming world.
  3. Fractal Block World is a new game that explores complex, fractal-like spaces and challenges players in unique ways. It's a reminder that games can still be weird, intriguing, and thought-provoking, bringing back the magic of gaming.

Essays on writing, life, and my journey.

Neckar’s Notes • 6 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
📚 Literature Writing Essays Personal Growth Self-reflection Creative Expression
  1. Writing can help us find meaning in difficult experiences. It lets us explore our emotions and transform our pain into something valuable.
  2. Being honest and writing from the heart is important. It helps us connect with ourselves and our readers genuinely.
  3. Life is about the journey, not just the end goal. We should focus on growing and appreciating where we are right now.

Experiments in style: The Christmas Letter

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 9 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
📚 Literature Writing Storytelling Parody Creative Expression
  1. Trying different writing styles can help improve your skills. It makes you think about how tone and style change a story.
  2. Christmas letters often mix bragging and boring news. A fun approach can be to blend both aspects in a humorous way.
  3. Experimenting with storytelling can bring fresh ideas and laughter. Sharing these experiments can entertain and connect with others.

Experiments in style: hyperbole

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 9 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
📚 Literature Writing Creative Expression Storytelling Narrative style Content creation
  1. Hyperbole can make writing more engaging and fun. It exaggerates situations to create humor and interest.
  2. Reworking a story in different styles can help improve writing skills. Trying out new styles lets writers explore creativity and find their voice.
  3. Sharing personal experiences can connect with readers. People enjoy relatable stories and may feel comforted by shared struggles.

Radicalized by the Game Genie

Cybernetic Forests • 19 implied HN points • 18 Sep 22
🎨 Art & Illustration AI Art Video Games Creative Expression
  1. The Game Genie introduced the idea that the invisible codes of software and society are changeable, inspiring a period of art crimes and hacking into perceived norms.
  2. AI art creation tools like DALLE2 can be viewed as game engines for art, setting rules within which artists create, illustrating the importance of navigating the boundaries between tools and personal expression.
  3. Artists have historically used tools like machinima and hacking to subvert and repurpose gaming structures for storytelling, highlighting the potential for AI art to evolve beyond prompt responses.

It’s Business Time

The False Consensus Effect • 19 implied HN points • 08 Jan 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Painting Drawing Journaling Creative Expression
  1. The theme of failure in business is a common thread throughout the text, emphasizing the challenges and pressure associated with it.
  2. The importance of pursuing art without solely focusing on profit, as highlighted through references to Thoreau's philosophy and personal experiences.
  3. Reflections on the past and the impact of great thinkers like Thoreau, contrasting it with modern society's values and behaviors.

DJ Meisner: LARPing as a Compassionate Boulder

Do Not Research • 0 implied HN points • 15 Oct 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual Arts Painting Creative Expression Mixed Media Artistic Process
  1. The artist uses painting as a form of escape from overthinking and its burdens, shifting from photography to abstract watercolor to quiet the mind.
  2. The art aims to evoke compassion and challenge societal perceptions, highlighting the need for critical thinking and understanding in a polarized world.
  3. Creation of art is a personal process, not just about sending a message, but about finding solace and respite amidst the noise of life.

Interview With Theo Anthony by Tomi Faison

Do Not Research • 0 implied HN points • 15 Feb 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Filmmaking Creative Expression Community Engagement Local government
  1. Theo Anthony, the director of 'All Light Everywhere', emphasized the importance of connecting diverse sources in his filmmaking process and created a website to showcase these influences and inspirations.
  2. In his film, Theo Anthony intentionally included himself to challenge traditional documentary norms and encourage audience reflection on the artifice present in filmmaking.
  3. Theo Anthony's venture into local government as a City Council Member showcases the complexity of decision-making in mundane yet impactful issues, highlighting the intricate nature of political work.

My career journey, part four

The Next Chapter • 0 implied HN points • 29 Apr 23
🚌 Education Career development Literature Writing Personal Growth Creative Expression
  1. The author shares the final part of their career journey series, reflecting on their job search process and decision to work at Match Group.
  2. Despite initial expectations, the author had to reset their career aspirations after joining Match Group, focusing on a multi-hyphenate career, product development, and creative endeavors.
  3. The author highlights the book 'Free Food for Millionaires' by Min Jin Lee as a source of inspiration in navigating career challenges and seeking personal freedom.

Growth is a cycle

Trying In Public • 0 implied HN points • 02 Apr 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Growth Self-reflection Productivity Creative Expression Mental health
  1. Growth is a cycle, leading many to feel like they're back where they started, but each cycle brings lessons from the journey taken before.
  2. Spring is a time for reflection and new beginnings, where we plant seeds for what we want to grow, and each creative cycle brings clearer focus and self-awareness.
  3. Every experience, like participating in Big Paper Planning Day, offers opportunities to learn more about ourselves, gather data, and make more confident decisions in the grand experiment of our lives.