We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Robert Deshaies II. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Robert below.
Robert, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
When I began writing poetry and graphic novels, I thought good writing and the rhythm you gain from writing arrived miraculously during mad and occasional bouts of inspiration (usually, this was after I had finished a contemplative poem or inspiring book). However, when I began to see increasing rounds of depression making their way down the aisles of my brain from staying still–waiting for those magical moments to hit–I began to think long and hard about where my creativity came from.
Many friends and family kept using the words “talented” and “contemplative” when my work was on display, but the work created in spare wasn’t enough. So, after wallowing for a bit (I say “a bit” when “a bit longer than I’d like to say” is closer to the truth), I turned my inspiration into a daily exercise. It’s no joke when they say good creativity comes out of 10,000 hours because after I began writing every day (most of it squiggly notes and nowhere musings), real work started to come out. And, when I was faced with a stab of depression or even anxiety about the work itself, I continued what I had always done and actively searched for something inspiring: I got up and went out.
Between the daily exercise of writing, yoga, going to museums or galleries where I could and can, and picking up any book (whether a novel, short story collection, photography book, art book, poetry, or graphic novel), I found my creativity flourishing. The more active you are in exposing yourself to all the creativity around you and exercising your space in that dense and wonderful world, the more I see my creativity bloom and stay alive. After all, why else are we pursuing that fever called writing?
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My work is less of a brand and more of a tool. I aim for my work to be contemplative, outright political, and wrestling with the “big issues,” like faith, hope, death, and existence. The most exciting part about this is the time I spend in contemplation, balanced by my interactions with my friends and family, discussing whatever it is I have my head down writing. As I learned from a mentor, Dr. Ben Hutchinson (whose newest book “On Purpose: Ten Lessons on the Meaning of Life” you should definitely check out), writing is one of the best political activities to involve and engage with yourself and the larger body of people with issues and questions that impact us all.
Of late, my most recent work can be found on my Substack (“The Deshaies Poetry Disco”), where I have challenged myself to write 365 days worth of poetry while completing my MA at the University of Kent’s Paris School of Arts and Culture. The daily newsletter has allowed me to continue to hone my craft and share the work on an increasingly growing scale (which is not only super cool but also free!). The experience has led me on a new path in viewing my work, finding that it is there to be read and enjoyed with easy accessibility. I also have some graphic novel projects in the mix that are taking longer than usual to get off the ground, but, as with all things, we’re getting there. ; )
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
First, stay active! Keep challenging your mind and body by getting out of your comfort zone. Say yes to both the experiences and creative works you’re offered, and keep striving to go out more and do more!
Second, stay motivated. You’ve learned to say “yes,” and now keep becoming excited with the new load you’ve taken on. Switch things up when they get dull. Shift around routines you like but don’t get rid of them. Wake up and go to bed telling yourself, “Hey, let’s do this again,” and keep on doing it. As Albert Camus says, “One must imagine Sisyphus happy.”
Third, be contemplative. When everything slows down or when you start to feel like everything’s slowing down, be contemplative! Contemplation is both active and motivating. It forces you to sit with yourself and get into the nitty-gritty of why you’re here in the first place doing what you do. Don’t be afraid to examine yourself, your work, or the world around you.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
I’ve mentioned this in a previous interview, but I can’t say it enough. My Dad has been my Superman when tackling every area of my life. I always compare him to both the Man of Steel and Maximus from Ridley Scott’s Gladiator because he not only has a will that’s stronger than gravity, but the sacrifices he makes for me, my family, and his friends are bound impenetrably by care and great, moral responsibility. He’s a titan who holds the weight of the world on his shoulders, and he’s been the example I’ve continuously looked up to when it comes to taking care of myself, taking care of others, and finding a solution when the going gets tough.
Contact Info:
- Website: rjdeshaiesiiwriting.com
- Instagram: @robby_deshaies_
- Facebook: Robert Deshaies II
- Twitter: @robby_deshaies_
- Other: For my daily newsletter, visit thedeshaiespoetrydisco.substack.com
Image Credits
Copyright, Robert Deshaies II 2024
