I just ordered the book, “The Shape of Design” after reading this excerpt in a review (link to full article above)
“Lighting one candle
with another candle—
spring evening.(Yosa Buson)
Buson is saying that we accept the light contained in the work of others without darkening their efforts. One candle can light another, and the light may spread without its source being diminished. We must sing in our own way, but with the contributions and influence of others, we need not sing alone.”
In so many conversations with other creatives, the subject of originality and derivative works can take quite a bitter turn. The sense of generosity and community expressed in the poem sounds like a much more productive and enjoyable way to create.
In our wild frontier of reblogging, retweeting and pinning, control of content is slipping away from individuals. How do you feel about exchanging control of distribution for the ability to cast a wider net for your work and your ideas?
