6.07.2011

Create, don't hate

There has been a lot of chatter going around lately about inspiration vs. originality in art and other works. A lot of the talk is about the work, but I feel like one thing that has been left out are the people. On both sides. The people that feel wronged and the people that get attacked for "wronging" someone else.

I feel that there is far too much mudslinging, gossip, and overall "mean-girl"-ing and not enough real conversation happening. So many people are quick to judge before taking the time to communicate with another person.


I remember I was once told by a potential customer that her husband thought she could do it herself and didn't need to purchase something from me. I was also told by someone that they liked my work so much that it inspired them to learn how to create the same things for themselves.

I could have gotten mad or angry at either of those things. Instead I felt joy because I still helped to create something. I helped fuel a small interest, which could turn into a burning passion for something that I, too, love to do. I helped someone else see that they can be creative and can create with their hands.

It also helped remind me that we are all created and even if you don't like someone or something they did, they are still a person, loved by someone or many. Please take a moment to take care with the things that you say to others. You may even create a friendship.

5 comments:

  1. Beautifully said! This is such a hard issue to wrap my thoughts around, but one thing I keep coming back to in my mind is that a lot of people in the handmade community are practicing an old craft (i.e. printing, embroidery, quilting, etc.)and that in itself makes it very difficult for any one person to claim ownership over an idea. It's hard... and you're right, we all need to keep in mind that there are real people behind each and every idea.

    p.s. I do find it deplorable when a large company very obviously copies the work of a small business!!

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  2. Wonderful post! I cringe everytime I see someone calling another artist out on Twitter for "copying". There really is such a fine line between being inspired & copying. I don't think stealing another's work is ever acceptable, but I think we need to be careful how we handle these situations. The same thing always comes to my mind in these situations...there is nothing new under the sun.

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  3. Absolutely agree! There's nothing new under the sun, so chances are good that even when you think you've thought of something totally original, someone has probably done it all before ;) No need to get all bent out of shape when your "originals" might not be "original" after all. Crafting definitely takes a measure of humility!

    Mind if I link to this post? It's good stuff!

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  4. Very nicely said. There's so much defensiveness, it's tiring!!

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  5. your blog is absolutely darling! i found you via 'leelee'. happy to be a new follower.

    xoxo
    http://tinylittlehappies.blogspot.com/

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Rachel Anne

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