Thursday, August 5, 2010

The Means or the End?

A stairway is a means to an end, a way to get from one level to another. But sometimes, the "means" can be separated from the "end." It becomes important in itself, like this stairway in the attic of Casa Battlo in Barcelona. Yes, it's a stairway. That's the obvious and practical "end." But it is a beautiful work of art, nicely framed and ready to be enjoyed, in it's own right. The "means" develops an identity on its own, a purpose of its own, without considering the intended "end."

I've been thinking a lot about the process of creating art, creating my photography. The process of creating - of noticing and seeing and capturing and playing - is as important as the end result. The photo that I present here each day is just the obvious and practical end of my art, like the purpose of a stairway to get you from one level to the next. But the fact is that the process, the means, is probably more important to me, the creator. That's why I continue to create, why all artists continue to create. If it wasn't, we'd all be done with the first work of art we are really happy with, especially if we aren't doing this for a living. (Getting paid for art is another kind of wonderful "end" for the artistic process.)

Ursula K. LeGuin said, "It is good to have an end to journey towards; but it is the journey that matters in the end."

The journey, for me, is the creation of the photograph. The beauty of this "means" being it's own "end" is that process of creating is not finite, is an ongoing, never-ending, renewable resource. Infinite. Regardless of what I created or shared yesterday, I have more to create today and tomorrow.

Isn't that an incredibly positive and exciting way to think about it? I encourage you to think of your art, whether it's photography or writing or cooking or yoga, in the same way. The end is not the purpose of the creative process, the means is!

16 comments:

  1. I like your perspective...it is so true....I spend so little time creating compared to the time "incubating"...the roaming, collecting and the willingness to be influenced by what's coming in from the wide world that can change my mind about what I'm going to create...it's a process of co creation...

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  2. I love posts like this that make me explore my own thoughts and processes. I've been have a few blips in my journey this week so this has been a timely reminder to help me concentrate on enjoying the whole process - so a big thank you!

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  3. Your incredible picture definitely helps to strengthen your point. I have just begun to think about my own creativity and how important the process is to me.

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  4. The view through reminds me of some of the altered book windows with the folded pages where you see the pages beyond through the cutout windows. I love seeing the curves and angles through each other, and the shadows and contrast in your photo are fascinating.

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  5. Great shot... reminds me of the 10,000 fingers of Dr. T.

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  6. Another thought-provoking post. I love getting lost in the creative process, where time stands still. Your photo is amazing--I've been to that building and it is a photographer's dream, isn't it? Have a happy weekend!

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  7. Thanks so much for writing about the creative process. It's something that holds endless fascination for me. And your photographs are beautiful! Have a wonderful week.

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  8. Your image makes a very strong statement and your post backs that up. I also love your reflective photography, I myself spend many hours absorbed in this type of photography, I just love the other worlds aspect!

    Have a happy weekend.

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  9. That's a great way to think about creating...it's hard to remember that when things are feeling ho-hum and the muse is napping. But I think you described perfectly what keeps bringing us back to the drive to create- the journey and the joy. Lovely photo!

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  10. I love the way you write about the creative process. And let me tell you that you actually inspire others with your posts. At least I feel inspired... Your "Reflections in glass" made me look at my reflection photos in a new way which was very interesting. The inspiration that we get from others certainly is part of the creative process, and one that I enjoy immensely.

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  11. Isn't photography amazing? So many people think it's passive but for me it is a thoroughly spiritual practice and it sounds like it is to you too. Beautiful! Happy Friday!

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  12. First of all, thanks for visiting my blog! 2nd, I'm so glad I found yours. Wow - living in Italy - isn't that everyone's dream?? I've only been once and it was during college (many years ago!) Funny thing - this exact topic has been so on my mind. My PhotoArts Yahoo group has been discussing it as well. Check out http://miksang.com/participants.html
    Fascinating topic and gorgeous image!

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  13. i love that quote!

    amazing picture...and so true about the process...even when it's intense or frustrating...it's still about the journey that truly never ends.

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  14. you are absolutely right! it's more about the process, the end product is the icing on the cake :)

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  15. Isn't it always about the Journey! Thank you for the great reminder!

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  16. oh my wow. that turns this into art. i love this. plus i have never seen architecture like this in person it is stunning.

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