“Everything that needs to be said has already been said. But since no one was listening, everything must be said again.”
―André Gide
I’ve been spending time thinking about originality lately. Is anything that we create really original? Or maybe as Austin Kleon writes in Steal Like An Artist, a good artist understands that nothing just comes from nowhere. All art is a remix. Even we are a remix, a perfect fruit salad of our parents’ and ancestors’ genetics. Do you believe in originality?
This week’s episode is a juicy one. I am talking with Austin Kleon – New York Times bestselling author-artist. We talk about Steal Like An Artist, if geniuses exist, marrying the right person, and Austin shares a fascinating secret.
Instead of finding the idea that nothing is original to be depressing, Austin finds hope. When we free ourselves from the burden of needing to be completely original, we can finally give space to embracing influence. So does Austin believe in the concept of genius? Did he marry the right person? And what is his secret? (Hint: it’s about an emotional state.) Give this post a listen to find out!
p.s. If you like these conversations, and I hope you do, please considering supporting this endeavor by upgrading your subscription. It means the world to me and quite literally helps me keep the lights on. Thanks so much for being here today, and everyday.
How to steal like an artist