Twyla Tharp wrote that when you create something, whether it's a dance, a novel, or a painting, you have to keep its "spine" in mind the whole way through. By "spine" she meant: the statement you make to yourself outlining your intentions for the work. "If you stick to your spine, the piece will work. When you lose your way, it will show you the way home.
You might not think you want spine. You might think you don't need a supporting mechanism for the art you're constructing, a controlling image, a collateral idea to guide you.
You might think that getting lost is a big part of the adventure.
You might think that,
but you'd be wrong."
