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.

I’ve never focused on originality. I can appreciate it, but don’t aspire to it. Innovation maybe, as in finding a better way. In the forefront of my mind? Healing, integrity, justice, peace, empathy. That’s what gets me going. To love. To repair the world. Better to focus on understanding and sharing. Better to focus on being authentic. That is hard enough and good enough for me.

I learned about the film on Véro’s blog a few weeks ago and really wanted to see it. Lately I’ve been thinking more and more about things open, creative commons, and remix (read/write) culture. So my Friday evening is off to a great start. Will let you know how it goes.