Steal Like An Artist: Austin Kleon at TEDxKC

The Art of Stealing Ideas

Stravinsky's Creative Process

• Igor Stravinsky began a new ballet by revising classic manuscripts, blending his own harmonies and rhythms with borrowed melodies.

• Critics condemned Stravinsky for altering the classics, to which he responded, "You respect, but I love," highlighting a deep connection to art.

The Nature of Newspapers

• Newspapers are ephemeral; they often end up in recycling bins after reading, yet people instinctively save meaningful clippings.

• Artists are selective collectors of ideas rather than indiscriminate hoarders; they gather what resonates with them.

Overcoming Writer's Block

• In 2005, the speaker faced writer's block and realized that newspapers could provide inspiration through their abundant words.

• He created "newspaper blackout poems" by marking out unnecessary words and connecting those that stood out.

Influence of Other Artists

• The speaker’s work drew comparisons to Tom Phillips, who transformed Victorian novels into art over 40 years.

• Phillips was inspired by William Burroughs' cut-up technique, which involved reconfiguring existing texts into new forms.

Historical Context of Creative Techniques

• Burroughs’ method originated from Brian Gysin’s experience cutting newspaper strips while preparing a canvas for painting.

• Tristan Tzara performed a similar act in the 1920s by creating poetry from cut-up newspaper pieces pulled from a hat.

Understanding Originality in Art

• The speaker discovered that his approach had historical roots spanning over 250 years in finding poetry within newspapers.

• He emphasizes that all creative work builds on previous ideas; nothing is entirely original—it's all about remixing existing concepts.

Genealogy of Ideas

• Just as individuals inherit traits from their ancestors, artists inherit ideas and influences from those before them.

• The speaker aims to create a lineage of creativity by learning from past artists while incorporating personal elements into his work.

Embracing Creative Theft

• Steve Jobs articulated the importance of exposing oneself to great works and integrating them into one’s own creations.

• Picasso famously stated that "good artists copy; great artists steal," emphasizing the value of appropriation in art.

Transformative Creativity

• T.S. Eliot noted that immature poets imitate while great poets transform what they take; transformation is true flattery.

• Instead of merely imitating others' styles, the speaker encourages pushing boundaries to create something unique from borrowed ideas.

Call to Action for Creatives

• Listeners are urged to draw inspiration from various sources encountered throughout their day and combine these insights creatively at their desks.

• Ultimately, the message is about stealing like an artist—transforming influences into original expressions for others to learn from.