You read the title and thought I was talking smack. But in fact, I’m trying to give advice.
The history of the world is one of shared spaces, shared food, shared water, shared DNA, shared lives. The history of art is the same. It is a history of an evolution of ideas, of appropriation and application. Therefore, if you’re looking for inspiration, look no further than 1. inside you; and then 2. to other art work that fuels your soul. Apply your own story to what you see. Make it relevant, make it yours. Remix it all and you’re underway. Filmmaker Jim Jarmusch says it best:
“Nothing is original. Steal from anywhere that resonates with inspiration or fuels your imagination. Devour old films, new films, music, books, paintings, photographs, poems, dreams, random conversations, architecture, bridges, street signs, trees, clouds, bodies of water, light and shadows. Select only things to steal from that speak directly to your soul. If you do this, your work (and theft) will be authentic. Authenticity is invaluable; originality is nonexistent.”
The above image plus the reminder that all of life is a collage, via the uber talented Austin Kleon.
“Authenticity is invaluable; originality is nonexistent”…wow, thats strong. I never tot of it like that. Infact, I try not to reproduce things I have seen before. I try. But I allow the works of other people to inspire me to produce better work…
At what point does it then become your own? I agree with what you say to some extent. However, I feel that taking a painting (Mona Lisa) and making it look like an Andy Warhol Marilyn Monroe is not exactly making it your own. My two cents.
However, if you are taking the Mona Lisa, putting her against a graffiti background, and giving her tattoos, piercings, etc, then its more original.
“Originality is non-existent” I love this!!!
I couldn’t agree more!
That is how I started out with photography, I looked at photos I liked and tried my best to produce something like it with my own flair.
And now you are world famous! Well done.
It’s true.
You are correct – I must admit to doing that.
Here’s a “theft” challenge then, or should we say “assimilation”, which of course isn’t as holistic or deliberate 🙂
Can you vote on your favorite three photos here: http://www.fluidpixel.com/Portfolio/MSPhotobook2011Options
Being the artist I’m struggling to select just three to submit to a charity photo book project. This is year three of the project and we’ve raised ~$50K+ a year for United Way of King County.
Thanks for your help!