Figmentations

When we express a thought/feeling/idea, we can express one that is originally our own or one that has already been recounted in some way by countless others before us. 

As a “wanna-be” artist myself (and maybe I’m not alone in this), I often believe that I need to always come up with something clever or new to be appreciated as a true artist.  But, I’m starting to realize that it isn’t the originality of the idea(s) alone that gets people to connect with artwork (in whichever form it manifests itself).

For example, when I first heard about the story-line behind the play and consequent movie, “War Horse“, I didn’t get it.  Since I’m not a big horse lover, I simply thought this movie/play just wasn’t for me. 

Luckily, not too long afterwards, I stumbled upon a TV program documenting the making of this “War Horse” movie (which is based on the play which is actually based on a children’s book). 

By hearing insights from the author, playwright, performers and producers, I quickly realized that this story (and the performers’ passion for it) was not primarily about sharing a common interest around horses at all.  Quoting Wikipedia, the story is actually about the “horrific conditions and loss of life, human and animal,” during World War I.

Still, I don’t think my first instinct was entirely wrong either, i.e., that a story simply about horses probably never would have made it very far.  But, now knowing that the surface plot, which can be over-simplified due to the story’s origin being a children’s story, actually has a much deeper meaning behind it.

Not dissimilar from how TV broadcasts of the Olympics in the U.S. are heavily peppered with backstories of the athletes, it is clear how hearing about someone’s struggles, accomplishments, and sacrifices helps us appreciate their story so much more than just seeing a fact-filled account of feats, scores, timelines, and results.

I’m becoming more and more aware of what makes a story or message come to life, i.e., effective delivery, passion, and confidence are clearly critical components.  What is on the surface only comes to life because on the real story driving an effective execution of the artwork and/or the performance.

Either way, this may not be anything new to you, and, if not, I thank you for your patience in indulging my sharing of these thoughts.  

Still, I’d love to hear about your experiences with this and which stories have touched you in unexpected ways.  Please feel free to share and discuss further below.  As always, thanks so much for stopping by!