agreed.

well, as long as constraint is not coupled with complacency.

bullshit

thought it was necessity

I agree, the constraint is needed to limit the infinite choices to ones that can be dealt with. I think is is why 'schools of art' work

so well. People can explore 'inside' the boundaries and they also have a context.

this is one of the problems of SL. it's too UNlimited.

Interesting point

constraints and competition drive innovation. Freedom stifles it. Having limitations gives one something to work around or overcome.

constraints can come in many forms. Take Thoreau. His Walden Pond cabin offered freedom of one sort, but constraints of another.

the trick is to find constraints that you can work with. Everyone is different in this respect.

Holy cow, I can't believe you guys are saying this shit. Too much Fox News? Constraints are for the undisciplined and under-motivated.

Anything created under duress is always less than great

I think freedom requires you to set your own limits and restrictions. YOU have to be responsible.

Exactly, K

Well, what I am calling constraints here to some degree are self imposed rules. Others know this as 'Style'. Personal artistic style.

The art world punishes you if your work is 'all over the map'. That is not similar to itself in some recognizeable way.

That said, a themed show focuses you and unleashes your creativity by focusing you in a particular direction. I find it works.

agrees with Nikki and Kghia

Kghia mentions limits. And that is all that is being said here. Limits and restrictions. They define the work.

most creative when finding ways to circumvent constraints in order to accomplish what needs to get done.

nice way to put it Clinton.

limitations, restrictions, and constraints give you a scope within which to work.

Would you apply this to writing as well as art? I'm just curious.

yes. If I sit down with a blank piece of paper in front of me, It's incredibly difficult to put pencil to paper and come up with substance

however, if I impose restrictions on myself ("I'm going to write a short story inspired by the style of Neal Stephenson"

I have a defined scope, and can get down to brass tacks.

I don't know, I can see how both ways work... My paintings are not constrained at all. I put the canvas down and just go for it... no \

thought in mind of the end product at all... I have no idea how it is going to turn out... and actually My Life as an Avatar project is

similar.. its more stream of consciousness thinking... I feel the sky is the limit to what I can do with it and that leads me to many

possibilities... but... in art school... they did help me to think of a more cohesive portfolio.. because art galleries etc... want to know

or want to see that your work isn't all over the place and that you have a good idea and can stick with it and express it wholey (sp)

I actually don't agree with Manx "Freedom does not drive creativity"? hmmmm maybe for you, but not everyone. that is a very blanket general

statement.

Interesting, Clinton - I tend to go in reverse. "I have a notion and can't wait to get a chance to write it!" is my speed.

your notion is your "box to work in." -- That's how my mind works anyway.

I believe there are various methods to the goal of results. And that is not being wishywashy!

the methods are all similar, the perception is what varies

Not sure that constraints work for me though. My tales form in my head, and run around in there for quite some time, developing, expanding

till I have such a full head I need to write it all out, and then more of the same tale can keep expanding in my head.

Cycles... but all one concept. The only constraint is my own memory ability. *ponders*

41 comments? wtf?

I believe in the authenticity from the art of distress.

everyone missed the original point

so misunderstood

It got kind of hair splitty there for a while

I thought it was a good discussion!

it was. but not the original intent. still very interesting!

ummmm what was the original intent? LOL

I think the original intent was well covered!

no one controls the message, man

agreed

I thought my opinion covered my feelings on Constraint and Creativity. What got missed?

enjoys conversations between opposing viewpoints that don't dissolve into flamewars.

I enjoy those immensely, Clinton! Everyone comes away a winner, and with new info.

absolutely!!!

sets Clinton's tail on fire

Clinton a bottle of water

Nikki must be masochistic to set the plume she so covets ablaze.

quenches his thirst on proffered bottle of water