"John & Yoko: Above Us Only Sky": The Art of Collaboration
Introducing the New Series, Lil' Habit's Big Inspirations: Cultivating Creative Habits
There's something magical about watching creativity unfold. It's like getting a backstage pass to see how the trick is done, but instead of ruining the illusion, it makes it even more amazing. When we witness an artist at work, we're not just learning about their techniques or inspirations. We're getting a front-row seat to the wonderful process of human creativity. It's craftsmanship meeting pure magic.
Welcome to my new series, Lil’ Habit’s Big Inspirations: Cultivating Creative Habits where we’ll explore the world of creativity through documentaries, books, articles, and more. In each installment of "Big Inspirations," we'll unpack the habits, processes, and insights of artists, innovators, and creative thinkers. The goal? To inspire your own creative journey and help you cultivate lil’ habits that lead to big results.
What to Expect:
Bite-sized takeaways from docs about artists and their processes
Key points from books on creativity and innovation
Quick hits from inspiring articles on the creative process
Practical tips and exercises to boost your creative habits
Occasional interviews with creators about their habits
So, grab your favorite creative fuel (coffee, tea, or maybe pop a gummy), and let's dive into our first big inspiration: "John & Yoko: Above Us Only Sky."
“They were more than husband and wife, they were more than a partnership. They had completely merged their sensibilities.” - David A. Ross, “Above Us Only Sky”
The documentary "John & Yoko: Above Us Only Sky," streaming on PBS, offers viewers an intimate look at John Lennon and Yoko Ono's creative partnership during the making of Imagine in 1971. More than just a behind-the-scenes glimpse, the film shows how collaboration was a fundamental artistic choice that shaped their work and relationship.
“The fact that 'Imagine' as a song was written and put out in the world was magical. And I hope you will smell the magic of it. I feel in the big picture the fact that John and I met – was to do this song.” - Yoko Ono
It turns out Imagine, Lennon's most iconic solo work, was a joint effort. Interestingly, he didn't initially grasp how significant Imagine would become, and later admitted in a radio interview that the song should've been credited to both of them, as it was inspired by Ono's book "Grapefruit."
The documentary paints Yoko as the unsung hero, with director Michael Epstein calling Imagine "primarily a Yoko song" in concept. From studio jams to the album cover shoot, we see their creativity spill beyond music into visual art and activism. It's a peek into how their shared vision shaped their whole world.
Speaking of the album cover, it's another window into their artistic dance. Yoko's initial idea of a cloud-eyed Lennon evolved into a dreamy double-exposure shot. Using a Polaroid, she captured John in front of Geoff Hendricks' sky painting, then layered his image onto clouds. The back cover? Lennon, lounging on a windowsill, "imagining" under a painted cloud. It's John-Yoko magic: blending visions and pushing art's boundaries through experimental innovation.
"Above Us Only Sky" ultimately presents John and Yoko's collaboration as more than just an artistic choice - it was a revolutionary approach to art and life. Their willingness to blur the lines between individual and collaborative work, art and activism, and public and private life, created a unique legacy that continues to influence artists and thinkers today.
The Power of Artistic Collaboration
Collaboration offers benefits that extend beyond merely working faster or more efficiently. Collaboration can:
Inspire New Ideas
Enhance Creativity
Provide Complementary Skills
Offer Mutual Support and Accountability
Expand Reach and Impact
Before you jump into your magnum opus with someone, try a small project first. You'll quickly see if your working styles mesh.
Here's your crash course in making a collaboration work:
Keep those communication channels wide open – ideas and feedback should flow freely. Embrace your differences; they're not roadblocks, they're building blocks for unique creations. Stay flexible and be willing to venture into new territory – that's where the magic happens. Mutual respect is non-negotiable; stand by your partner's artistic choices, especially when facing criticism. And here's the real trick: maintain your identity while working towards shared goals. It's not about losing yourself in the partnership, but about creating something bigger than either of you could alone. That's the sweet spot.
tl;dr: The documentary "John & Yoko: Above Us Only Sky" reveals the deep collaboration between John Lennon and Yoko Ono, particularly in creating the Imagine album. Their partnership exemplifies the power of artistic collaboration, showing how it can inspire new ideas, enhance creativity, and create works neither could achieve alone. Key to a successful collaboration is open communication, embracing differences, mutual respect, and maintaining individual identities while working towards shared goals.
Considering a collaboration? Share this article to kick off the conversation.
WATCH: John Lennon’s Imagine Official Video
MORE RESOURCES
Q&A with Michael Epstein, Director of the John Lennon + Yoko Ono Documentary ‘Above Us Only Sky’
The Art of Collaboration: Benefits and Essential Tips for Artists
👋 I'd love to hear from you! What's your favorite artist documentary? Whether it's about a musician, painter, filmmaker, or any other kind of creator, I want to know what's inspired you.
Drop your recommendation in the comments below and tell me what’s stuck with you. Let's build a watchlist of creative inspiration together.
Disclaimer: My Substack posts are my personal reflections and should not be taken as clinical guidance or treatment. Consult qualified experts regarding your specific health needs.
I think "Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos" on MAX is going to be my next doc. Have you watched it? I wonder if it'll inspire a rewatch of The Sopranos.