The Points of the Creative Artists’ Code: Seventeen - The Viewpoints of Others

by NDK Creative Artist

Code Point Article 17 looks at viewpoint from…what else? Another viewpoint.

Strive to understand the viewpoints of others. Therein lie the common realities shared amongst all beings, whether they be true or false, good or bad. Those viewpoints remind us of common bonds and, our humanity. No matter how many times we communicate them, this too serves a function and keeps those sterling qualities, that make Mankind great, alive. Recognize too, that the group-think is not always correct, nor is it the only think there is.

This point of the code should probably be part of point 14. It isn’t, but that is mainly because it comes at the same idea from a different point of view. The most important parts are the first and last sentences.

Group-think is not really much of a “think” at all. But it exists and it’s important to grok what groups are thinking about this and that subject that may be a part of a work you are involved in creating.

Perhaps the greatest problem I have observed for artists who do this, who strive to understand and grok the viewpoints of others, is that the same is so often not granted them. Indeed, few even ask. It is as if our society suffers from a “my viewpoint is the most important one” malady. And while upon occasion I might grant that this is the case, I believe that one cannot really have a viewpoint that is one’s own without one has first considered all that there is. Oh, one may have an appearance of a viewpoint - an opinion - but a viewpoint? Not one that is your own unless it has been quite fully formed.

A Definition of Viewpoint

A viewpoint is a fully formed package of experience, knowledge and information that has been verified, considered, understood and evaluated.

Your questions and comments welcome.

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If you'd rather we did all the hard work, you're in luck. Here's a list of articles that are related to this one:

• The Points of the Creative Artists’ Code: Fourteen - Creating Ideal Scenes
• The Points of the Creative Artists’ Code: Zero - There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to creativity
• The Points of the Creative Artists’ Code: Two - Communicate only that which you truly know about in your art.
• The Points of the Creative Artists’ Code: Five - Always seek the communication of truth to your public…
• The Points of the Creative Artists’ Code: Eighteen - Trust, Perception and Reality