Catching the Big Fish: Meditation, Consciousness, and Creativity

Instead of talking about what camera he uses or lens or anything else, David Lynch gives us much more. He shares an abstract process of "fishing for ideas" which has enough space in it to be interpreted and adopted by anyone. Some might say that it is too abstract, but telling people what to do only teaches them one way of thinking, which might not even work for them, instead of figuring out the best way for themselves. Some very important points in this book, which, if you are creative, could help you achieve more. It's also not necessarily for filmmakers but for musicians, painters, photographers and anyone else who wants to find the creative voice within and start generating ideas. The book is an almost square shape, and is easy to read at home, but might be a bit challenging on the road.

Quite a high price however for a book that hasn’t that much content. The content it does have however is insightful and helpful. I did laugh at the title as my more cynical side thought ‘way to catch fish”. I have, however returned to it on many occasions as it puts in simple terms the source of creativity.

Whenever you're feeling low and in need of a boost, this book is an effective way of raising your spirits. Part-autobiography, part just musings on life, David Lynch brings this small book to life with astute, simple writing, conveying his ideas in a very optimistic way. It's a light read, feel-good and warm, quite the opposite from Lynch's films and art. The issue that anchors the book is Lynch's focus on Transcendental Meditation. He sells it extremely well, describing its ability to expand the consciousness and one's creativity, TM itself apparently being easy and effortless to learn. However, the one flaw that hampers the book is that while Lynch raves about the benefits of TM, he never explains how it is done, or even how one can become involved in it. So whilst the book is enlightening, at times it's also extremely angering that he's waving this juicy carrott at you, but then cruelly jerks it away. And like a sucker you're expecting him to give it to you. Which he never does. It's odd, since Lynch, a despiser of commercialism, is promoting a concept for which the only way to learn it is through paying an extortionate amount of money for an activity that is supposedly "natural" and takes no time out of your routine at all. Commercial venture? Seems very possible ... All in all though, it's a fun read, never tedious or waffly. He talks a little about his films, although his coverage of them is brief, but nonetheless interesting. Despite being 180 odd pages long, the book is short, with double-spaced lines and small pages, so it doesn't take long to get through. But it's concise and to the point, with some great advice to any aspiring artist (the term "artist" being a very broad one). And that's one of the many beauties of the book, since his advice is universal, and can be taken on board by anyone. A worthwhile read, although bear in mind that, much like he does in his films, Lynch is posing questions to which he gives no answers. Except, unlike in his films, these questions aren't fun ones.

I RECCOMMEND!

Davids book shows us how T.M. as helped him on all levels of his life. It is quite an open, touchingly told memoir of how for example Transcendental Meditation changed his life by removing his habitual anger and providing a space to dive within and remove cumulative daily stress. I love the way he intertwines his film making and his ongoing life with his twice daily meditation, which has really worked for him on all levels of his life. In many respects he is brave to put his beliefs out there and call the people to meditate as a way of improving the world. Any rational person wants peace within themselves and for our world. Here David shows us an effortless method we could all use to our benefit in his wonderful book. The technique brings peace and rest in a troubled world.

Ótimo

Un buon complemento per chi ama l'arte di David Lynch e vuole scoprire di più sulla sua visione del mondo e la sua poetica. Il prodotto è maneggievole e di facile lettura. L'impostazione in micro-capitoli rende la lettura più leggera.

I like the format: small chapters with a specific content or idea or point to make, sometimes only one page long. It shows the author's evolution in his creative process, the questions he asked himself, and how meditation helped him during all these years. The author is not trying to teach or convince, he just shares his life experiences. I liked this approach very much, and found it inspiring.

Estaba entre ésta edición en pasta dura o la de aniversario con contenido extra pero me agradó mucho ésta en pasta dura, es una edición muy bonita y no puedo hacer más para leerlo.

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