Have you ever paused to think about why you design or create? Why some of us are drawn to pen and paper, to the hum of a computer, to the intricacies of 3D models, or the rhythm of a well-crafted blog post? Recently, I stumbled upon a unique revelation. Surprisingly, this insight didn’t come from a conventional source for design wisdom, but from the enigmatic filmmaker, David Lynch.
While surfing YouTube, I chanced upon a video of David Lynch engrossed in building a chair. At first glance, it might not seem like the most riveting content, but what transpired during that span of time changed my perspective on design and creativity.
As he went about his task, he shared a nugget of wisdom: “Films and furniture are based on ideas. You get an idea. And then you’re hooked.”
That simple statement struck a chord with me. It beautifully summarized the driving force behind every creation—be it a movie, a piece of furniture, software, or even a blog post. The heart of every creation lies in the idea that gave birth to it.
Let’s dive into some lessons inspired by Lynch’s perspective:
The Power of Ideas: Before a film sees the light of day or a chair takes its form, it starts as a mere idea in someone’s mind. Ideas are potent. They have the power to inspire, to transform, and most importantly, to create. Lynch’s words remind us that the inception of an idea is like a spark that can ignite a blazing fire of creativity.
The Joy of Creation
But it’s not just about having an idea; it’s about bringing it to life. The beauty of creativity is in the journey from conception to execution. There’s an undeniable pleasure in building something with your own hands, solving problems along the way, and figuring out how to bring your vision to fruition.
Embracing DIY (Do It Yourself)
In today’s world, where everything is available off the shelf, there’s a distinct joy in creating something from scratch. Whether it’s writing a piece of software or building a piece of furniture, the DIY approach offers unparalleled satisfaction. In that same video, David Lynch said, “It’s so much fun to build our OWN things, and solve the problems and figure out a way to do it on our own.” So true.
Problem-Solving is Part of the Process
Building or designing anything comes with its own set of challenges. However, instead of seeing them as obstacles, view them as problems to solve. It’s not just about the end product but overcoming challenges and finding solutions.
And here is where another David Lynch quote is appropriate:
“You don’t dive for specific solutions; you dive to enliven that ocean of consciousness. Then your intuition grows and you have a way of solving those problems-knowing when it’s not quite right and knowing a way to make it feel correct for you. That capacity grows and things go much more smoothly.”
Lessons from Lynch’s Chair
If there’s one thing I took away from watching Lynch build that chair, it’s that creativity is not just limited to the arts. It’s an innate human quality that can be channeled into any endeavor, be it film-making, designing, writing, or even woodworking.
The process of creating, of turning an idea into reality, is a journey filled with challenges and rewards. And the ultimate satisfaction comes from knowing that you made something from nothing.
I believe that we are all made in the image of God, who created everything. And the best way to pay tribute to God is to also create… Make something from nothing.
So get going!