Jordy from Jordy’s Streamings has tagged me to choose 2 quotes on creativity. Thank you, Jordy, for tagging me. I did 3 instead.
Rory from a guy called bloke’s fun challenge started this 3-2-1 Quote Me Challenge.
Jim Jarmusch is one of my favorite film directors, and after reading this quote, I think I know part of the reason why:
“Nothing is original. Steal from anywhere that resonates with inspiration or fuels your imagination. Devour old films, new films, music, books, paintings, photographs, poems, dreams, random conversations, architecture, bridges, street signs, trees, clouds, bodies of water, light and shadows. Select only things to steal from that speak directly to your soul. If you do this, your work (and theft) will be authentic. Authenticity is invaluable; originality is non-existent. And don’t bother concealing your thievery – celebrate it if you feel like it. In any case, always remember what Jean-Luc Godard said: “It’s not where you take things from – it’s where you take them to.”[MovieMaker Magazine #53 – Winter, January 22, 2004 ]”
Jim’s quote also reminds me of the philosophy of a young author, Austin Kleon:
“If I’d waited to know who I was or what I was about before I started “being creative,” well, I’d still be sitting around trying to figure myself out instead of making things. In my experience, it’s in the act of making things and doing our work that we figure out who we are.”
Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative
Another goodreads find, by someone I learned existed just today, Martha Graham :
“There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and will be lost.”
I’m not tagging anyone for this, but I would encourage any of you creatives out there — Yes, YOU, to give it a go if you feel so moved!
Tao Talk 
Great quotes.
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Thanks Sadje 🙂
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A pleasure.
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Great quotes and wonserful to learn more about these artists!!
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If you click on Austin’s name it will take you to his blog. He’s an amazing person!
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Will do!!🤗
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Nice quotes and I steal a lot of ideas from others without citing any credit. Fair use is a legal doctrine that promotes freedom of expression by permitting the unlicensed use of copyright-protected works in certain circumstances. Using less than 10% of someone else’s work can be done without permission from the copyright owner.
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Really?! Will have to remember that one 🙂
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I’m not sure that applies to research papers, etc, but just for fun, I’m glad it exists.
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I think that if you don’t make any money from what you borrow from somebody else, that there is no need to worry about a law suit.
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Oh Li, these are terrific quotes which embody what creativity is all about superbly played 🙂
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Thanks, Ror! I thought so also. Glad you enjoyed them.
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Very very much so Li 🙂
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Reblogged this on A Guy Called Bloke and K9 Doodlepip! and commented:
Li, displays some absolutely cracking quotes with regards creativity 🙂
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Bob Dylan supposedly said “Amateurs borrow, professionals steal”
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lol on Zimmy. i can see where it could get tricky with songs, lyrics, royalties, etc….
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You bet he did! I’m reading his chronicles at the moment….did you know he apparently lifted many lines/turns of phrase from other books he is known to have liked? I think he took that quote quite seriously lol
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oh my goodness. someone told me that before and i didn’t believe them. i’m starting to be a believer….
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I was reading the first (brilliant!!!) quote and thought and Austin Kleon…then you follow up with him…lovely stuff
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🙂
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