When play turns into work
I listened to an interview with the Swedish artist Jakob Hellman. His debut album from 1989 is guaranteed to pop up if you read about Swedish music.
After its huge success, Jakob decided to take a little break… for 32 years. When asked why it took so long, he said:
It wasn't fun anymore. It didn’t feel playful, and then I couldn't find the energy to do it.
I recognize myself in that. I’m sure you’ve felt the same way.
Creativity is an amazing source of energy. From the outside, it’s remarkable to see how much work a creative person can accomplish. For the creator, the word “work” barely exists at all.
Until it does.
When playfulness is only the opening act and work takes the main stage, the fun slips away. “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”.
The audience feels it too. No performance in the world can hide that all work and no play feeling.
When that day comes, it’s time for a break. The artist needs it, and the audience deserves it.
Luckily, it doesn’t always have to last 32 years.