Comming late to this topic. Even in attempts to do a knock off of something, originality is hard to avoid. The alterations of my own hand will to seep into the process.

The struggle for originality can be a big waste of time. Yet for some of us, the experimental process comes from forces that are intrinsic in nature and the artistic life.

Searls weighs up the pros and cons of disclosing your ideas vs keeping them secret in his post 10 Ideas About Ideas (via Creative Generalist); while Brian Lee advocates a middle way between plagiarism and the pressure to be original, reminding us that Creativity Is A Communal Act. Tortured Artists It may just be wishful thinking but I don’t see why artists shouldn’t enjoy themselves (and their work) as much as anyone else. I’m glad to learn that at least Douglas Eby agrees with me, in this great post on

I agree with you, John, that the creative process has a lot more to do with unity than duality. Thanks for bringing to my attention that the heading “The Duality of Creativity” made it sound like the opposite was true. I have since changed the heading.

I meant to imply that I see duality in how we view creativity, or the two opposing forces in what is considered good taste.

This also brings up another interesting point. Whenever I mention the word “duality” I seem to have miscommunications between my intentions and readers. I think that part of this is because there are so many definitions of duality. Look how many are on Wikipedia alone.

I wrote a definition of how the word is used on my blog here.

I also think that the word brings up emotions in some people because it has spiritual implications for them. Some people (including myself) believe that duality is ultimately an illusion, and that we are all part of the same higher energy; but even if this is true, there is still an obvious duality between our individual nature and our unified nature that is worth studying.

I think that what you are saying about how too many sources can kill the focus of creativity is true historically for paintings, and maybe music; but I would challenge that notion when we are talking about creative processes like Making a movie, the space program, or Boise State’s win over Oklahoma in last night’s Fiesta Bowl.

While this processes obviously require more than one person, I think there is a special kind of synergy that goes on in teams that are operating at a high level.

Thanks for the great comment!

I find it interesting that you consider creation a process of duality. I think unity is crucial to creative work, which is why nearly all great works of art are made by a single person. When too many sources are involved creation can lose focus.