The famous abstract painter, Jackson Pollack, once said, “Today painters do not have to go to a subject matter outside of themselves. Most modern painters work from a different source. They work from within” (1). However, if this statement is taken to be true, and is applied in conjunction with the fact that every human being since time began is different, then wouldn’t the “within” that is ‘worked from’ be singular, consistently turning out new, novel ideas? Novelty, though, doesn’t exist; it is impossible, at least according to the ancient Greek philosophers. Their assumption* was that “nothing comes out of nothing and nothing disappears into nothing” (2). Therefore, creators, designers, artists (and company), must look outside of themselves to find inspiration.**
Andrew Warhola, better known as Andy Warhol (1928-87), the “American painter, film-maker and author” has been called “the most contemporary of artists” (3). Best known for coining the phrase, “15 minutes of fame,” as well as his paintings/prints of Campbell’s Soup Cans (see image for just one example (6)), Marilyn Monroe, and Elvis Presley, Warhol “challenged preconceived notions about the nature of art and erased traditional distinctions between fine art and popular culture” (4). His paintings so clearly show where he got his ideas that it becomes almost comedic. For example: “I'd asked around 10 or 15 people for suggestions. Finally one lady friend asked the right question, 'Well, what do you love most?' That's how I started painting money” (5).
*And don’t get started on assuming. The ancient Greek philosophers can assume all they want; they’ve earned it.
** For me, lately, it’s been Halo 3 and seasons 1 and 2 of Showtime’s “Dexter.” Hey, everyone’s different…
1. http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/j/jackson_pollock_2.html
2. http://www.mitpressjournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1162/desi.2007.23.4.69
3. http://the-artists.org/artist/Andy-Warhol/
4. http://www.warhol.org/collections/index.asp)
5. http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/a/andy_warhol_2.html
6. http://metromilwaukeeliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/andy-warhol-campbell_soup-can.jpg
1. http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/j/jackson_pollock_2.html
2. http://www.mitpressjournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1162/desi.2007.23.4.69
3. http://the-artists.org/artist/Andy-Warhol/
4. http://www.warhol.org/collections/index.asp)
5. http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/a/andy_warhol_2.html
6. http://metromilwaukeeliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/andy-warhol-campbell_soup-can.jpg
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