When Life Hands You Underpants
Off and on the last couple of years I have conducted a little experiment. Whenever someone asked, "May I help you?", "Did you need anything else?" or even "Do you have any questions?" I respond with the same answer:
"Why, yes. I'd like a Mini Cooper, please."
So far this tactic has NOT brought me a car but it has brought about some interesting interactions. Most of them have been pretty funny, really and even though I'm not zipping around town in a sporty convertible, I still consider the experiment a success. It brings to the forefront the shining truth that in creativity, process trumps product.
The only time I read any of my books is when I'm presenting at schools. I run into my artwork in hospitals, people's homes and even see it in the background of shows sometimes. But other than the rush of seeing my poster on Scrubs or Wayne's World 2, I don't feel much else. The product was the ending point - time for me to walk away. It was the experience of creating the books and artwork that was the compelling part - the process.
This little boy in the illustrations above is all about process. The dog has stolen Nonny's underpants off the laundry line. But does he see them as the over-sized frilly bloomers that they really are? Nope. He's turned them into a parachute. Later on they become a sail for his pirate ship. After that, a super hero cape.
As artists and writers we can totally get hung up on product, and that's a shame. That way we're robbing ourselves of the chance to feel free to experiment, make glorious mistakes, to actually play.
Okay. Any questions?
I have one.
Will you give me a Mini Cooper?
"Why, yes. I'd like a Mini Cooper, please."
So far this tactic has NOT brought me a car but it has brought about some interesting interactions. Most of them have been pretty funny, really and even though I'm not zipping around town in a sporty convertible, I still consider the experiment a success. It brings to the forefront the shining truth that in creativity, process trumps product.
The only time I read any of my books is when I'm presenting at schools. I run into my artwork in hospitals, people's homes and even see it in the background of shows sometimes. But other than the rush of seeing my poster on Scrubs or Wayne's World 2, I don't feel much else. The product was the ending point - time for me to walk away. It was the experience of creating the books and artwork that was the compelling part - the process.
This little boy in the illustrations above is all about process. The dog has stolen Nonny's underpants off the laundry line. But does he see them as the over-sized frilly bloomers that they really are? Nope. He's turned them into a parachute. Later on they become a sail for his pirate ship. After that, a super hero cape.
As artists and writers we can totally get hung up on product, and that's a shame. That way we're robbing ourselves of the chance to feel free to experiment, make glorious mistakes, to actually play.
Okay. Any questions?
I have one.
Will you give me a Mini Cooper?
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