Create Your Tools

The past week I was reviewing the 22nd suggestion from Bruce Mau's "Incomplete Manifesto for Growth" which states "Make your own tools. Hybridize your tools in order to build unique things. Even simple tools that are your own can yield entirely new avenues of exploration. Remember, tools amplify our capacities, so even a small tool can make a big difference." I took tools to mean anything that I can used to aide me in my tasks. A pretty general definition.

I believe that this can be a very powerful act, making and using new tools. On the making of tools, this starts the creative process. I'm making a tool that didn't exist before. Pretty simple by itself but it sets my state of mind. Whatever I create with that tool is also brand new, a original creation, not ever before attempted. It is a step forward.

Changing to new tools also have a similar benefit. By switching tools, the mind acts differently. I can be performing the same task but because it is a new tool, I expect new things. I also typical get what I expect. New is good. Change it good. Movement is good.

I think this advice slips over into other not art related aspects of my life. By making "new tools" I define how I want to life. I indirectly define myself as well. And the simple act of changing from a pencil to a pen, changing tools, changes my perceptions of what I am writing. I can't erase pen. It feels more permanent, more important. I end up treating my writing with more importance and before I know it, my writing is better and is what? More important.

In the end, I see the recommendation of creating tools or using new ones as a metaphor for stepping out of the comfort zone and experience things differently.

This week I will examine "Stand on someone’s shoulders. You can travel farther carried on the accomplishments of those who came before you. And the view is so much better."