Messing about as Creative Process
Abstract
Artists have used the term ‘messing around’ not infrequently when discussing their practice, examples of which are introduced below, but the exact nature of what this means has not previously been clearly described. The process of messing about is positioned within the broader method of improvisation, as both a type of experimentation and a joyful unstructured play. Parallels are seen in non-hylomorphic approaches to making and in anti-solutionist design strategies. As an instrument maker, improvising musician and music producer I use messing about as part of my process. Examples from my work are given by way of illustration.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Artistic and Creative Research
Design Education and Practice
Music Technology and Sound Studies
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Focal Press eBooks
- Pages
- 42–57
- Publication date
- 3 February 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter