Creative Pep Talk - Episode 503: Embrace Change and Reclaim Belonging with Morgan Harper Nichols
Release Date: April 30, 2025
Introduction
In Episode 503 of Creative Pep Talk, host Andy J. Pizza welcomes back longtime friend and renowned poet and visual artist Morgan Harper Nichols. The episode delves deep into the challenges creatives face when navigating changes in their artistic environments, particularly focusing on embracing change and reclaiming a sense of belonging in their creative practices.
Navigating Creative Transitions
Morgan shares her experiences of feeling out of place as familiar creative platforms and tools evolve. Reflecting on her time before 2020, she recalls the fleeting sense of being "in sync" at creative gatherings, only to witness these spaces become "stagnant" or transform beyond recognition.
"If you're in a place where the platform that used to feel like home feels stagnant or has maybe rapidly changed... what do you do?" ([01:50])
She emphasizes the importance of recognizing when a creative medium no longer serves her purpose, comparing it to wearing "an itchy sweater" that once felt just right.
Understanding Technology and the Black Box Problem
A significant portion of the conversation centers around the opaque nature of modern technology, particularly artificial intelligence and social media algorithms. Morgan expresses her discomfort with the "black box" aspect, where creators are left in the dark about how their content is being managed and disseminated.
"I'm wrestling with the black box aspect of technology... I want to know how this thing works." ([08:15])
She critiques the shift in platforms like Instagram, where algorithm changes have made it harder for artists to maintain their community connections without the transparency of how their content is being prioritized.
Embracing Traditional and Alternative Creative Practices
In response to these technological shifts, Morgan explores alternative methods to sustain her creative practice. She discusses returning to traditional forms such as writing in coffee shops and reviving her blog to foster a more authentic and controlled creative environment.
"Maybe what I would like to do is start writing in a coffee shop again... to shake up the stagnant or sense of things not fitting." ([68:31])
Additionally, Morgan shares her current endeavor of cutting up her own writings to create new combinations, a process she finds liberating and a subtle form of subversion against the rigid structures of modern digital platforms.
"I've been doing a lot of collage and just, like, allowing myself to play with those, like, structural elements more." ([16:45])
Grieving Loss and Finding New Gestures in Creativity
Both Andy and Morgan discuss the emotional toll of moving away from platforms that once felt like "cool kid tables." They acknowledge the grief associated with leaving behind familiar environments but highlight the growth that comes from seeking new, more fitting creative spaces.
"There's a lot of grief on the way that the platforms have changed... and conceptualizing those changes." ([48:00])
Morgan reflects on her disconnection from aspirations like being featured in top art museums, finding fulfillment instead in teaching and leading workshops.
"I walked out of [MoMA] and I was like, oh, that's actually not an ambition of mine." ([58:20])
Identifying Conflict and Reversal Move in Creative Practice
A pivotal strategy discussed is identifying what aspects of the current creative landscape a artist opposes and reversing them to carve out a unique path. This method aligns with Joseph Campbell's "Return Home" concept, where recognizing and addressing conflict leads to personal and creative growth.
"We have to identify what is it that's going... What is the reverse move?" ([51:03])
Morgan and Andy explore how artists can hack their negativity bias by first acknowledging what they dislike and then transforming it into creative opportunities.
Personal Reflections and Growth
Morgan candidly shares her journey of learning to advocate for herself within the creative industry. She discusses overcoming the ingrained notion of perpetual gratitude, which previously hindered her ability to set boundaries and reject unreasonable demands.
"I used to feel like I had to just accept everything because I do not get to say no." ([55:34])
This shift has empowered her to align her work more closely with her authentic interests, such as teaching workshops over pursuing high-profile museum exhibitions.
Creative Call to Adventure: Five Senses of Belonging
Concluding the episode, Andy introduces the week's Creative Call to Adventure inspired by Morgan's insights: the Five Senses of Belonging. This exercise encourages creatives to engage each of their senses to identify new and fulfilling environments for their creative practice. By sensing what feels right, artists can explore novel approaches to rekindle their creative spark.
"Go through your five senses and just say what sounds attractive... what sounds where you could just, oh, if you were there, your shoulders would drop." ([73:20])
Conclusion
Episode 503 of Creative Pep Talk offers a profound exploration of how creatives can navigate the ever-changing landscape of their industries. Through Morgan Harper Nichols' heartfelt reflections and strategic insights, listeners are equipped with tools to embrace change, reclaim their sense of belonging, and continue thriving in their creative journeys.
Notable Quotes:
- "It's an incredible thing. The only problem is that it's temporary." – Morgan Harper Nichols ([00:10])
- "We need to get everybody in a room... do some basic conflict resolution." – Morgan Harper Nichols ([06:53])
- "I'm not a cool kid table person." – Morgan Harper Nichols ([65:48])
- "I'm allowed to play with the structure... it's really freeing." – Morgan Harper Nichols ([16:45])
Resources:
- Learn more about Creative Pep Talk: creativepeptalk.com
- Check out the host: andyjpizza.com
Produced by Sophie Miller and Connor Jones, with theme music by Yoni Wolf of the band Y. Special thanks to Morgan Harper Nichols for sharing her invaluable insights.