I believe there exists a duality among human beings, and for that matter all beings, that is essential to defining our place within the structure of existence. We are individual parts of a greater whole. Thus, while we desire to be unified within a community, we also fear that that unification will deprive us of our individual identity. This presents a problem when discussing the role of collaborations in a creative endeavor. As debated in the article The Rise of the New Groupthink, in January’s New York Times, a general shift has been made across the board to promote group thinking and team building whenever possible. This, however, is problematic for the creative mind, which prides itself on unique abilities specific to its own experience. Ideas fabricated by this creative self are fermented through a process of self meditation in isolation and are consequently stifled when forced to succumb to someone else’s imaginative vision. Or as Sartre might say, “Hell is other people.”
But even Thoreau, an eternal advocate for solitude, only stayed in Walden for a year, and he had plenty of visitors. This brings me to my second point. We are part of a greater whole, and yearn to find a place within it. We desire others to recognize our ideas as valid and true, that we might be validated ourselves. Thus, we associate with people similar to us in order to further perpetuate our significance within society. This is where I believe a collaboration is beneficial in the creative realm. Collaborative projects provide a community in which, ideally, individuals present their best selves, linking to other individuals with desires congruent with their own. The emphasis here being that individuals remain independently true to their own creative pursuits while interfacing with an artistic community.
Some may view collaborations as a forum in which individual ideas may be compromised. While some form of compromise does take place as an effect of any two individuals communing together, as long as the desired outcomes are in agreement, great creative pursuits may transpire. In an interview with Tilda Swinton at the 38th Telluride Film Festival, she stated, “I started to make films because I found a community... I only work in collaboration, I can’t work alone.”
Being a painter, I’m not sure I can share Ms. Swinton’s collaborative constancy. I define painting, as well as other studio arts, as a solitary pursuit. One attempts, with a visual expression, to manifest an introverted conversation with the self. The possible attainment of achieving this representation drives me and defines me as an artist – for myself and the art world. However, it can be a lonely existence, if I am completely dependent upon the conversations with myself. I could go crazy. I recognize that as much as I am defined by my solidarity, I need a community, I need support. Like I mentioned previously, I believe that collaborations can provide these things for artists, and can be beneficial, as long as the desires of the collaborators are compatible, whether artists work predominately on collaborations or work with them while simultaneously pursuing their individual practice.
– Jessica Rae Ecker
jessica.rae.ecker.com
But even Thoreau, an eternal advocate for solitude, only stayed in Walden for a year, and he had plenty of visitors. This brings me to my second point. We are part of a greater whole, and yearn to find a place within it. We desire others to recognize our ideas as valid and true, that we might be validated ourselves. Thus, we associate with people similar to us in order to further perpetuate our significance within society. This is where I believe a collaboration is beneficial in the creative realm. Collaborative projects provide a community in which, ideally, individuals present their best selves, linking to other individuals with desires congruent with their own. The emphasis here being that individuals remain independently true to their own creative pursuits while interfacing with an artistic community.
Some may view collaborations as a forum in which individual ideas may be compromised. While some form of compromise does take place as an effect of any two individuals communing together, as long as the desired outcomes are in agreement, great creative pursuits may transpire. In an interview with Tilda Swinton at the 38th Telluride Film Festival, she stated, “I started to make films because I found a community... I only work in collaboration, I can’t work alone.”
Being a painter, I’m not sure I can share Ms. Swinton’s collaborative constancy. I define painting, as well as other studio arts, as a solitary pursuit. One attempts, with a visual expression, to manifest an introverted conversation with the self. The possible attainment of achieving this representation drives me and defines me as an artist – for myself and the art world. However, it can be a lonely existence, if I am completely dependent upon the conversations with myself. I could go crazy. I recognize that as much as I am defined by my solidarity, I need a community, I need support. Like I mentioned previously, I believe that collaborations can provide these things for artists, and can be beneficial, as long as the desires of the collaborators are compatible, whether artists work predominately on collaborations or work with them while simultaneously pursuing their individual practice.
– Jessica Rae Ecker
jessica.rae.ecker.com
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