Photography and the Creative Process

Creativity and Materialism

There are artists who have very little material wealth who may hold themselves above those who pursue such wealth. Such artists may consider their pursuit of their creative impulses to be more pure than the impulses that drive their more material-oriented brethren.

Having just spent an hour with a man whose passion is growing businesses, making money, and helping people through those processes, it occurs to me that those artists who hold such activities in disdain may be blinded by their snobbishness.

I find that such business people exhibit great creativity in their work. Their impact on their surroundings can be just as profound as the impact made by a well executed work of art or musical composition.

I encourage all people to be creative as they pursue their passions. I am passionate about making photographs. The investment strategy/company building passion exhibited by my friend is an endeavor that does not tickle my creative impulses. But neither does making photographs tickle his.

Art is effective if it inspires me to expand my vision. My friend’s performance this morning opened my eyes to the creativity inherent in material pursuits. Such creative expression is a work of art.