Outside The Bubble

I've been watching past seasons of "Project Runway."  How did I not know about this show before? Probably because I'm not a big TV watcher.  But, this one...I'm hooked on.  I love the challenges...the creativity it takes to make something that stands out from the crowd.  Not an easy task.

In one of the finales, I was struck by something the judges said about one of the final three contestants, who did not win the big prize.  They had commented that one of the pieces in her collection looked a lot like another, very famous, designer from years past.  Needless to say, she was heartbroken...but not just because she wasn't the big winner.  She was in tears and humiliated that the judges thought she had copied another designer.  I really felt for  her.  To be accused of something, that is in no way true, is extremely damaging to one's creative spirit and confidence, not to mention very damaging to the reputation.  It presses on the soul and stifles creative happiness. From the observer's standpoint, it's an easy thing to get caught up in the piling on of a fellow artist but, a caution:  know both sides of the story.

Now, I'm no fashion guru.  I have no idea weather or not this gal borrowed from another designer. The real point, for me, was her response to the judges.  She told them that she never looks at the work of other designers.  Then the judges said something that really stuck with me...they suggested she educate herself about what was going on in the fashion world, past and present.  I totally get why they would tell her that...for her own protection.

I've heard artists say things like "I never look at other artist's work because I don't want to be influenced"  "I don't look at art books or magazines" "I don't know what other artists are doing" "I'm completely self-taught."  But, the truth is, none of us live in a bubble.  While we are all born with certain talents, no one is truly and completely self taught.  No man is an island.  The great majority of us have been taught and/or influenced by someone else.  Even if it's as small a thing as looking at photos or books, instruction manuals or....osmosis!  As artists, we're all influenced by the things we see every day and by the people we associate with...often other artists.  We absorb creative ideas, we can't help it...we soak it in.  And, it amazes me how many of us come up with the very same idea, at the very same time...probably an idea that has already been done at some point in the history of the world.  It happens all the time.  But, I do agree with those Project Runway judges; you must know what's going on in your field.  You have to educate yourself, as much as possible, on what other artists are doing.  That knowledge helps protect your own artistic integrity.  

As talented as that Project Runway designer is, the judges gave her some very wise advice.  As tough as it was for her to hear, if she accepts that advice, applies it wisely and continues moving forward, she'll have grown as an artist.

Talent + Knowledge + Wisdom =  Artistic Growth

Comments

[Maija lepore]

Very well thought out and stated Deryn!!
One time I watched PR reruns for 4 hours!! I was totally sucked in!!

[Linda Byrd]

Well said. How can an aware artist or crafter NOT be influenced by what other artists are doing? Christi Friesen, witty and extraordinary polymer clay artist, writes in her instructions for projects that she wants people to make the projects and "feel free to share . . . or even sell" the projects. She simply asks that one use "common sense and courtesy" and give "credit to the inspiration source" so that others can visit her site if they wish. I think her philosphy is generous and practical, to acknowledge that the buyer purchases her instructions so that they can incorporate her methods and her influence into the buyer's own work, which may indeed be sold.

[Lee]

Great post!! I am often inspired by what others are doing, and my own ideas spin off of them. But, you made a great point, it's important to be educated.

[Judy]

Wonderful post Deryn. Osmosis is a great word for it. We can't help but glean from all the visual we are exposed to from blogs, websites, books, magazines, etc. It is what continues to stimulate and inspire our muses. We also take classes to learn from those whom art inspires us.IE the wonderfully talented artist and teacher Deryn!

That being said, it is then our responsibility as "students" to take what we learn and glean from the art world around us and make that experience something that strengthens our own work and make it our own. To be able to twist a link for a necklace in the same manner as Deryn is teaching me in the e-class is something quite different from then taking her design for a pair of earrings and re-creating them link by link. (as much as I do covet those earrings LOL).

Love ya, love your art,

La Paix!

Judy

[Vickie C]

I'm happy I stumbled on your blog. I liked what you had to say and knowing what's going on is always a good thing. I like to visit others for inspiration and there certainly is much inspiration here. I do like to try things others have done as a way of learning, however I would never represent something as mine when it isn't. I like to put my own twist to things so it is mine. I guess it's a fine line and one really does need to pay attention.

[Lori Burek]

Well said!
Lori B.

[Renate]

Thank you for sharing this, Deryn! I also believe, that we can't help being influenced by things we have seen - no matter if intentionally or otherwise.

[Deryn Mentock]

Mary Jane, I agree...studying contemporaries makes me nervous, as well. But the truth is, I respect and admire many of them. I would be missing out on that artistic connection if I never saw their work and I feel very solid and well grounded in my own artistic style and voice. The enormous hub-bub surrounding the whole "copying" thing is very over-blown...imho!

[Kelly Jeanette]

Very beautiful!

[mary jane dodd]

a very interesting post, deryn... osmosis is a perfect word i think for what can occur... in blogging we show and tell - classes are taught, ideas and techniques shared... as i am one of those people who is very visually attentive, i do worry that i will absorb some of what someone else is doing... i too try to isolate myself to a certain extent... but there is a wisdom in those words... larger than that (because there really isn't much new under the sun) is how one filters it through their aesthetic and makes it their own... you made me think - because i am an art history major and always feel grateful for the background i have in that sense... but studying contemporaries makes me nervous - because it brings up that copying issue i suppose... thank you for giving me something to think about... a topic that is revisited freshly is appreciated...

[Cynthia]

Very well said. I think that this is something that those who care about their art/craft are keenly aware of. Of course we are all influenced by what we are exposed to, but the real artist adds their own interpretation to take an expression in a new direction; others just copy.

[folk heart]

We see completely eye to eye on this subject, and it pleases me to read my own thoughts in someone else's blog...a perfect example of what you are actually saying. I remember that episode to which you refer, and recalled thinking the very things you are sharing today. The other little thing that I would like to add is that in the art world, which also includes fashion, we must all cater to the wants of the customer if we want to be successful, and the customers generally want to possess something that they HAVE seen somewhere else. Dare I say something "trendy." At that point the artist begins to bend every so slightly toward things that they have seen represented before. Therefore something that they create might be mistaken for something they have inadvertently leaned toward, albeit not an exact copy. I am sure that it happens in all genres.

Love your blog and adore your creations and your creative imagination. Thanks for the thought provoking subject!

[LeAnn]

Again, well said. I know I am a visual sponge. As a designer I try quite hard to ferret out where my ideas have come from so that years from now I will recognize my pieces as having come from me. I posted something about this process a week or so ago, inspired by your recent post on copy/copyright. I completely agree that we need to be aware of what is happening in our world. Thank you for writing about these issues.

[maureen]

great post with some really good points. I especially like the thought "To be accused of something, that is in no way true, is extremely damaging to one's creative spirit and confidence, not to mention very damaging to the reputation. It presses on the soul and stifles creative happiness. From the observer's standpoint, it's an easy thing to get caught up in the piling on of a fellow artist but, a caution: know both sides of the story."
More often than not people do not stop and gather the necessary information to see both sides yet they speak with confidence and authority, sometimes to the detriment of another. Thanks for this - it advises caution and thoughtfulness - something we should be mindful of every day!
oh and ps - i LOVE project runway, too. it's amazing how much creativity is out there.....in all forms!

[Angie Platten]

Love your work!

Can't believe you have never seen PR!!!!!!! Claudine Hellmuth got me hooked a few years back. I don't own a t.v. so I watch it online. And if you really want a laugh, watch "On the road with Austin and Santino"! Two previous PR designers that go on the road and make dresses for special occasions for real women in a very short time frame.

If you haven't gone back to the past season where Christian was the winner, that is a great season. My favorite so far.