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.
Everyone is influenced by somebody 😀
Was this blog post a “stolen” idea from Kleon?
Seth Godin wrote about something similar recently – thought you might be interested if you didn’t catch it: http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2011/03/originality.html
From Seth Godin’s blog ^^^^
” … The other doesn’t hesitate to point out that I’ve never had an original idea in my life, and that I’m merely a promotional hack.”
Sound like any photographers you know ? 😀
I’ve said for years “only steal from the best” and I’ve never had any pro disagree 😀 The secret is don’t steal and than claim to have invented it., ’cause there are old pros who have seen it come and go out of fashion several times 😀 and they may call you on it.