Creative Chaos

11 October 2006

Creative Chaos

I have always believed that there is a link between creativity and chaos, and the more I embrace the chaos of the world, of life and my work, the more doors open into a creative world.

When I first started using the name "Servant of Chaos", it was simply to create a new Yahoo Messenger ID. I was there at work looking at my office with piles of paper (who said computers would lead to less paper), stacks of brand and style guides reaching up to the ceiling, row after row of Corbus photo sample books and three computers lined up ready to go. And the more I thought about it, the more I realised that FAR from being the MASTER of my own destiny, I was a servant of the chaos that comes into, and forms part of, my own world.

Realising this was great. It allowed me to let go of any sense of control. It allowed me to focus on the end result of my work, not on my ability to MAKE something happen. It made me think about my customers, my colleagues and my friends. Well, I am still pretty pushy, but I am not as bad as I was!

I was reminded of this by this great post by Tara. She is talking about embracing chaos ... from a different perspective, of course, but the lessons hold true (you can read them all) -- embracing the chaos prepares you for ANYTHING. Precisely because you don't know what to EXPECT, you don't exclude possibilities. You are open to, and are able to respond more nimbly to, unexpected events.

Unfortunately, this is not for everyone. Some people DO like a more predictable life. How about you? Bet I know the answer ;)

Oct 11, 2006 12:38:18 AM | Creativity

13 Comments

not only do i embrace chaos, but your post reminded me about some dan wieden words i adore: "Moving at 7,000 miles an hour, trying to take a sharp left turn, everybody holding their breath, laughing like hell, occasionally throwing up but smiling, and leaning right to make sure the fucking thing doesn’t trip over. Chaos does this amazing thing that order can’t: it engages you. It gets right in your face and with freakish breath issues a challenge. It asks stuff of you, order never will. And it shows you stuff, all the weird shit, that order tries to hide. Chaos is the only thing that honestly wants you to grow. The only friend who really helps you be creative. Demands that you be creative."

whole speech here: http://wklondon.typepad.com/welcome_to_optimism/2005/02/words_from_wied.html

Posted by: diana | 11 October 2006 at 04:50 AM

Well, I suppose you know my answer ;) I adore chaos. It's in me and my life. strange as it may seem it provides order in my mind and gives me a freedom to create.

You're right, when you're not sure with the next minute, you're ready for everything. As a result I am more flexible and faster to react.

Posted by: Julia Dorofeeva | 11 October 2006 at 09:58 AM

I believe in Creative Chaos .. its the byline of my blog :) .. one of my most favourite quotes ever is - "You need chaos in your soul to give birth to a dancing star" Nietzche. A great way to work, play and live!

Posted by: Dina Mehta | 13 October 2006 at 03:33 AM

Diana ... thanks for the great link. I had not read it before and thought it was great!

Julia ... good to see you back from vacation! I love that chaos provides order to your mind ... what a concept. I will need to think on that a bit more, but I am loving the concept.

Dina, I am a big fan of your blog ... and the quote from Nietzche is sensational. Thanks all for your great insight.

Posted by: Gavin Heaton | 13 October 2006 at 04:28 PM

Hi Gavin, thanks for wandering over to my blog and commenting.

I am happiest amidst chaos too, hence comfortable disorientation. When you submit to chaos it is at once absorbing, liberating and exciting.

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