Creative Detritus

As Creatives, the recurring questions regarding if we are “artists” or if what we do can be called “art” is something which has already been addressed.  Working in creative endeavors always produces interesting byproduct. These can include, but are not limited to, pencil shavings, broken and maimed Crayons, assundry fasteners such as nails, screws, washers, etc, as well as many others.

There is something mystifying and beguiling about these things...at least to me they are.

It was my daughter at four or fives years of age that showed me pencil shavings can become beautiful flower blossoms glued to construction paper, only needing stems or stalks, and a colorful backdrop added to complete the scene.

It is well-known that my inclination is always more analog than what my industry operates at.  There is something about knocking out a rough draft of a script or infographic, putting it to rest for a while, and coming back to look at the scratch outs, mistakes, and even wadded up pieces of paper in and around the trash can that adds to the sense of satisfaction.  Mentally, I tell myself, “Something was created here.”

There is something reassuring and affirming looking at the detritus our creative endeavors leave behind.  The dirty shop floor, the ink stained fingers, paint splatters on clothing, and who can forget the sweat stain from exertion to bring forth whatever piece has been created.

More often than not, those pieces which we endeavor to create and disseminate among our clients, as well as the general public to a certain extent, go out into the world and are rarely heard about or “from” again...at least by us.  There is certain loneliness in this type of work that is both alluring as well as achingly ingrained within the work itself.

Perhaps, this detritus is our applauding masses, our troves of awards, and our adoring fans.  Instead of quickly brushing away the pencil shavings, wads of used paper, and other artifacts of creative endeavors, we should look and enjoy.  Perhaps we should admire these byproducts in the same way we might look at a great piece of art in a museum, or something similar.

Until next time...keep creating!