“There was no master plan to any of this. We'd just try things out and keep bits of them, and as a result there are always little things coming in and out of the mix, tickling the ear. You can't quite take it all in at once. It's basically simple but it's also deceptive, because there is actually a lot going on, and every time you listen to it you hear something else. Everything is there for a reason." Engineer and producer Mike Pela describes the organic recording process that produced one of the singer's most memorable hits (Sweetest Taboo) - link to the article is below
Similar to the approach to one of my favorite songs by Sade, I have no master plan for this “What is Taboo?” series of collages. I chose this title for the series because I wanted to pair a song with an Instagram post on January 31, 2026. I wish it more complex - it is and it isn’t. I have been using music consciously as inspiration for art and came to realize that unconsciously my background music was often merging with the art as I was creating.
It seems taboo not to have a plan nowadays. Everyone is a brand, or has a brand, and brands usually have a master plan, right? (Eric B & Rakim just popped into my head)
“Thinking of a master plan…” this is the classic opening line from Eric B. And Rakim’s hit song “Paid In Full.” The song is great storytelling as Rakim raps about evolving from being a stick up kid to developing a plan for a “better life.”
“Thinkin' of a master plan
'Cuz ain't nuthin' but sweat inside my hand
So I dig into my pocket, all my money is spent
So I dig deeper but still comin' up with lint
So I start my mission, leave my residence
Thinkin' how could I get some dead presidents
I need money, I used to be a stick-up kid
So I think of all the devious things I did
I used to roll up, this is a hold up, ain't nuthin' funny
Stop smiling, be still, don't nuthin' move but the money
But now I learned to earn 'cuz I'm righteous
I feel great, so maybe I might just
Search for a nine to five, if I strive
Then maybe I'll stay alive
So I walk up the street whistlin' this
Feelin' out of place 'cuz, man, do I miss
A pen and a paper, a stereo, a tape of
Me and Eric B, and a nice big plate of
Fish, which is my favorite dish
But without no money it's still a wish
'Cuz I don't like to dream about gettin' paid
So I dig into the books of the rhymes that I made
So now to test to see if I got pull
Hit the studio, 'cuz I'm paid in full”
Today’s post is a PEAK example of no master plan! I enjoy allowing my collage practice and blog musings to organically evolve. It’s my personal revelry - fun & freedom - to allow the creative energy to just flow. In today’s world of planning and then having many meetings about the plans, I’m glad I have a protected space to just flow. Don’t let “just going with the flow” become taboo for you. Find time to flow and explore the joy of not having a plan and letting it all unfold.
Classic Tracks: Sade 'The Sweetest Taboo': https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/classic-tracks-sade-sweetest-taboo (source for opening quote)
Collage by Heather Polk, “What is Taboo? 2.2.2026”, 2026, Acrylic paint & torn painted paper, on watercolor paper, 4 in x 6 in
