Under the influence...

When people see others artwork, or read their poetry or prose

They often say, oh you should look at this artist or writer

Now, they may not give the comment much thought

Or they think that they are being helpful or encouraging

But the seemingly innocent comment raises some interesting issues

Now, if you have a DIY project it is very useful to look at how others have done similar things

Being too precious is probably not a good way to be

So, is it different in artistic pursuits?

I would say, at least for me, yes

There is room for a bit of creativity and individuality in a DIY project

But most likely best if it ends up looking much the same as any other similar projects

To repeat something, it is useful to have studied then copied, or adapted, what others have done

But not so artistically

But why?

Well, I would suggest that artistic activity is a journey of self-discovery

The journey to the ‘real you’, and if that is the case it will be different to all the rest

Just as no two people have identical faces, neither will two artistic works be the same

Many will be similar as there are only so many stories to be told

But an essential element will be the indelible touch of their creator

So, you need to get in touch with your own creativity, individuality, and originality

Your unique experience of the world

But what will get in the way of this process?

Well, many things, but I am talking here of the effect of strong current influences

As an example, I am chronicling the life and times of Fitzroy the Bear

So, someone will say, ah, you should read Rupert the Bear

So, I read Rupert’s adventures

Rupert, a towering figure in this genre

But then next time I put Fitzroy in a situation, I’m not thinking, how does Fitzroy deal with it, but instead, what did Rupert do in a similar situation

Next thing I’m borrowing plots, and then where does it stop

How best to prevent this?

Simple, I avoid reading Rupert the Bear, at least until my project is finished

A lot to talk about here, and a purely personal view and only scratching the surface as usual

But there ends this week’s blog…