Approach with caution. Peter Schmidt and Brian Eno coined this phrase with the creation of a deck of cards that made suggestions for oblique approaches to creative problems. For me it points to a bigger truth: we need to come at things obliquely if we are to achieve what we want to, technically, aesthetically and personally.

I tie up the conscious mind with a mechanical activity and let the subconscious wind its way around the paddock, finally hitting the target with a glancing blow, if at all. It’s the only way I can get things done.