Something I’ve been thinking about for a while is the process of digital creativity be that it’s constantly refinable. You have the ability with the ubiquitous Command-Z to “undo” mistakes - wiping things entirely from the creative playground. But what if we didn’t have that facility? What if our digital creations somehow bore all the mistakes, the “erased” moments of spontaneity that went to create the finished work? Like a lump of clay, mistakes and experiments would be remolded, rather than removed, adding to the canvas of ideas.
In an interview on Apple.com, film editor Walter Murch talks about one of the things he misses from the traditional editing process compared to the digital one: “When you actually had to make the cut physically on film, you naturally tended to think more about what you were about to do. Which � in the right proportion � is a good thing to do. The cut is a kind of sacramental moment. When I was in grade school they made us write our essays in ink for the same reason. Pencil was too easy to erase”.
I think we need more of that finality in digital work. All be it in the right balance. Stuff like Photoshop Tennis leans towards this organic evolvement of creativity. Command-Z is bloody brilliant, but is there a way to strike a balance between constant start from zero cleanliness and natural evolution in creativity?
I agree and sadly can admit to the fact that I am an addict of the ‘undo’ command. However, at least I am aware of the fact at this point and will try to focus on focusing, kill the engine, and build on top of “mistakes” which in all likelyhood are not mistakes whatsoever. Think before we speak. Thanks for that commentary, and nice website. Keep up the great work, for it is in the product of your energy and artistic ingenious that others can learn, grow, and teach. Inspiration is all around us.
jeff / 23/12/2003