Do Creative people need solitude?

While attending art school at SAIT in Calgary, years ago, I read the The Labyrinth of Solitude by Mexican author Octavio Paz….in it he writes:

Solitude is the profoundest fact of the human condition. Man is the only being who knows he is alone, and the only one who seeks out another. His nature -if that word can be used in reference to man, who has ‘invented’ himself by saying ‘no’ to nature consists in his longing to realize himself in another. Man is nostalgia and a search for communion. Therefore, when he is aware of himself he is aware of his lack of another, that is, of his solitude.’

This week I am across a post from the artist’s network Behance which poses the question “What is one of the most crucial commodities for creative people that’s also becoming increasingly difficult to obtain in the 21st century? The answer: Solitude”

Great article with quotes from the poet Rilke who says to follow what is difficult. While I recognize the importance of solitude for soul-searching and creativity – I feel that right now on this planet – it is a time for connecting, especially online. The big question is how to connect to like-minded creative individuals and work together to solve some of the pressing issues that face us globally -that is DIFFICULT.

Increasingly as we will work more and more in solitude, from a home office, winding down on the “great white commute” and integrating our work into our lifestyle we take control of our time and manage it accordingly. As long as technology remains up and running we can stay connected to our networks and the ideas, news and information flowing through them…

This past week, a dear friend in Australia, who works in technology and just set up his own server, posted on Facebook that the floods of Queensland were encroaching on the home he and his wife share. Since he was iPad enabled he remained connected on Facebook while friends commented on his posts with prayers and well wishes. Thoughts are things. The floods stopped literally outside the driveway of his home and his next post was of preparing a camp style meal for his wife….

With the internet keeping us in touch – should we wish to be so – it is the best of both worlds…alone and yet connected. Alone and yet, not lonely.

Today it is heavy snow in Toronto. In the last hour I connected online already with lots of folks…as the snow continues to fall. Now it is time to get out and shovel and in the solitude of that activity I will contemplate my reason for being and the wonder of it all….

Are creative people filtered out on their way to the top?

Here it is, before the end of 2010 a google alert just came across my path linked to Fortune article about how being creative, especially during a recession is not a good idea…. It goes something like this “if you are bubbling over with fresh creative ideas — put a lid on it if you hope to become promoted”. I guess this explains why I am self employed, demoted right out of the system and still struggling to retain my autonomy with potential clients who even when considering hiring me will ask for your ideas on Search and Social media then after I make a few off the cuff suggestions to gauage their SM acumen find them declaring that those “stratagies” simply will not work with their current marketing as this is the way we do it and the way we have always done it”. huh?

As I see it there is no “way to the top” by being a Creative. You start at ground zero and work at making something new instead. If you are good you broaden your network and distribute a few ideas or memes, perhaps they even go viral and get shared, creating influence. Now there is an idea that’s time has come, eh? If you are an idea obsessed superstar you create a start up. The rest of us muddle through as consultants or freelancers.

I am working my way through the best books of 2010 – a list compiled by “brain pickings” on ” business, life and mind” which by the way, I was able to download onto my ipad – through the KOBO app. I just finished reading “Cognitive Surplus” . As I mentioned in an earlier post three of the top books have to do with ideas and creativity. Cognitive Surplus first which is all about how everyday people (users), what the author calls the world’s amatuers, are taking the time formerly spent watching TV and doing something online that is “participatory”. The byline of the book reads “creativity and generousity in the connected age”.

Clearly the companies that Fortune article is referring to are not connected and by extension – NOT generous. If they were they would be singing a different song. Like the fact that Google gave all its employees at 10% raise for 2011 or that Facebook has alot of former Google employees on staff. My favorite quote in the book is one that goes something like “even the lamest creative act, is still a creative act”

Which brings me to the two key philosophies behind the my thinking on creativity and work.

1. Who ever controls your time controls your mind
2. As humans we are creative (i.e. SOCIAL) beings

Just got my copy of the GREAT RESET by R…

Just got my copy of the GREAT RESET by Richard Florida. Looking forward to reading it on my flight to AB to meet with a new client. I will post my feedback on Richard’s link next week. In the meantime check this out.