The Cookie Cutter
Is freedom worth colouring outside of the lines at the expense of a carefully constructed self?
For those that venture outside the box to find out what they like will certainly instil confidence in themselves and highlight a robust aesthetic.
When we consider the cookie cutter mentality, we are reminded that striving for perfection at the expense of a unique expression can just leave you feeling like a cardboard cut out.
Rick Rubin says, “Humanity breathes in the mistakes.” He goes on to discuss why the machine like perfection is not so interesting (Cookie Cutter) compared to the frayed edges that exudes essentially the ‘Artist‘ perspective; you.
It reminds me of an interview I saw with, Finneas, the brother and one half duo of pop artist, Billy Eilish. Finneas tells of a time as a teenager, just starting out, and reaching out to a friend’s Dad (Engineer) for advice on making a sound louder in the studio. Of course the Engineer points, Finneas, in the right software direction, and also imparts valuable wisdom for the path ahead.
He advised, I can tell you how to make the sound louder but you will need to essentially along the way find out what it is you like. As if you know what you like, when someone questions your choices down the path (even mistakes consciously kept) you will know why you left it or placed it in that particular spot. Essentially, because you like it regardless of whether it’s right or wrong in accordance with a set standard.
This is what will determine your Creative Licence
When you are first diving into art the ‘Creative License’ is so expansive because everything is so new. You can freely explore what you like and break down the walls of the cookie cutter. This is an ongoing process of building, breaking down, exploring and then birthing something new - that you like.
You recognise an aesthetic that exudes satisfaction.
So what to do if the Cookie Cutter starts to creep in on your creative projects causing havoc and veering you away from your essential truth? Consider the work from the perspective of a child. Let go of adulting, responsibility and let art gift you the space of freedom.
Freedom to take it ALL in. Freedom to let go and let ART.
I invite you to consider this…… do you want to live in a cardboard cut out world, or a world of colour, flamboyance, unbridled expression and flavour?
