Connected by Creativity

In 2010, Steve Jobs sent this email to himself - 

“I grow little of the food I eat, and of the little I do grow

I did not breed or perfect the seeds.

I do not make any of my own clothing.

I speak a language I did not invent or refine

I did not discover the mathematics I use.

I am protected by freedoms and laws I did not conceive of or legislate, and do not enforce or adjudicate.

I am moved by music I did not create myself.

When I needed medical attention, I was helpless to help myself survive.

I did not invent the transistor, the microprocessor, object oriented programming, or most of the technology I work with,

I love and admire my species, living and dead, and am totally dependent on them for my life and well being.”

Steve Jobs' reflection resonates deeply with the journey of an artist or creator. As creatives, we may not invent the pigments we use, the brushes we hold, the canvases we paint on, or the ideas and technologies behind what we are trying to bring to life. We rely on the innovations and craftsmanship of countless individuals to create our art. The colors we choose might be derived from ancient recipes perfected by others; the techniques we employ are often learned from masters long gone or contemporaries whose work we admire.

In art, as in life, we are part of a vast, interconnected web. We speak a visual language that has evolved over centuries, borrowing from and building upon the works of those who came before us. Our inspirations might be drawn from the music that stirs our souls, the landscapes shaped by nature and humanity, or the emotions expressed in the faces of people we encounter.

When we create, we are never truly alone. We are supported by a community of artists, past and present, who share their knowledge, critique our work, and celebrate our achievements. This sense of belonging to a larger whole can be a source of comfort and strength, reminding us that our art is both a personal expression and a communal experience.

Steve Jobs' words highlight the beauty of this interdependence. Just as he acknowledged his reliance on the contributions of others for his technological innovations, we too can appreciate the collective efforts that enable us to bring our visions to life. Every brushstroke, every color, and every composition is a testament to the collaborative spirit of humanity.

As you paint, remember that you are part of a grand tradition, a lineage of creators who have each added their unique voice to the ever-expanding conversation of art. Embrace this connection, find inspiration in it, and continue to contribute your perspective to the world, knowing that you are supported by the invisible hands of those who came before and those who stand beside you.