Legendary artist Craig Mullins joins Ash Thorp for a mind-bending discussion on composition in art, the relationship between humans and nature, the role of art in interpreting reality, the existence of free will, the impact of advertising and money, the significance of surgeons and AI, the importance of Photoshop, and staying true to principles. They also explore the devastation in Lahaina, the importance of history, creating a stable environment, the cost of convenience, the chaos of life, and the science of breathing.
The understanding of composition will evolve with further research and knowledge of the human brain.
Nature can inspire deep emotional responses similar to religious or spiritual experiences.
Exploring and questioning our beliefs is important for knowledge, while acknowledging the limitations and biases of the human brain.
Artists should strive to find their own unique voice and style rather than imitating others.
Software and hardware tools, like Photoshop, are creative achievements in themselves and may be viewed as the true geniuses of art in the future.
Deep dives
The Illusion of Good Composition
The idea of good composition is subjective and incomplete, according to the speaker. While some rule books and guidelines exist, they fail to capture the true essence of what makes a composition great. The speaker believes that perfect compositions are still unknown to us and that our understanding of composition will evolve with further research and knowledge of the human brain.
Appreciating the Beauty of Nature
The speaker shares their personal love for nature and the unique beauty found in places like Hawaii. They believe that nature itself can inspire a deep emotional response, much like a religious or spiritual experience. They discuss the vibrancy, uniqueness, and cultural diversity found in Hawaii, and how it speaks to certain individuals in a powerful way.
The Search for Meaning and Understanding
The conversation touches on topics like free will, determinism, and the search for deeper meaning and understanding in life. The speaker shares their belief in determinism and the illusion of free will, while acknowledging the complexity of human cognition. They discuss the importance of exploring and questioning our beliefs, as well as the limitations and biases of the human brain in our quest for knowledge.
The Influence of Others and Finding Individuality
The speaker discusses the impact of other artists and the struggle for individuality. While imitation and learning from others can be important for growth, they emphasize the importance of finding one's own unique voice and style. They encourage artists to be open to influence but also to embrace their own originality, rather than trying to be someone else.
Introduction to NFTs and Cryptocurrency
The podcast episode discusses the host's introduction to NFTs and cryptocurrency. They describe learning about NFTs when they read about someone selling an NFT for 69 million. They mention being aware of cryptocurrency before this and appreciating the transparency and potential it offers. However, they also express their distaste for the hype and manipulation that has entered the space, which they believe has tainted the true value of blockchain and NFTs. They further discuss the challenge of selling NFTs and navigating the toxic aspects of the market. Despite their reservations, they recognize the potential for positive impact and hope that the involvement of good-intentioned individuals will contribute to a better future.
The Volatility and Uncertainty of the NFT Space
The podcast delves into the volatility and uncertainty present in the NFT space. The host shares their first encounter with NFTs and reflects on the negative aspects, including manipulation and exploitation. They express concern about the lack of regulation and widespread crooks in the industry. However, they acknowledge the potential for value and the existence of a diamond amidst the chaos. They emphasize the importance of good intentions and a principled approach in navigating the NFT space and remaining true to one's beliefs.
Balancing Principles and Self-Interest
The podcast explores the host's struggle to balance principles and self-interest in the NFT space. They mention their personal aversion to self-aggrandizement and hype, which clashes with the need to promote their work in order to succeed. The host highlights the contradiction between their desire for privacy and their need to engage with the public in order to gain traction. They discuss the challenge of valuing art based on its impact on people while avoiding the pitfalls of hype and manipulation. Their principles guide them in seeking authenticity and genuine connections in an often superficial and profit-oriented industry.
Artists and the Power of Software and Hardware Creations
The speaker believes that software and hardware tools, such as Photoshop, are greater intellectual and creative achievements than the art created with them. He sees these tools as acts of creation that require insight and vision, just like traditional art. He suggests that in the future, when looking back at art from 1990 to 2050, people may view the software and hardware as the true creative geniuses. This challenges the traditional notion of art and highlights the significance of these tools in the creative process.
The Importance of Seeking Truth and Avoiding Set Principles
The speaker encourages artists to seek out those who pursue truth rather than those who claim to have found it. He emphasizes the need for humility and self-awareness in the artistic journey, recognizing that our understanding of art and its mechanisms is limited. The speaker cautions against rigid principles and argues that relying on them can lead to rationalization and self-interest. Instead, he suggests staying open to new perspectives and being honest about what feels right, even if it defies preconceived notions or principles.
The Legendary Craig Mullins joins Ash Thorp for a mind-bending episode that will stay with you long after you finish it! From deep dives into the mind of a creative to the state of humanity, the red-haired girl from Frozen, walking past elephants and so much more, you don't want to miss this one.
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