Having a surplus is an essential component in the creative process. To bring an idea to fruition a surplus is necessary. Moreover, the greater the amount of surplus that is devoted to higher priorities, including additional consumption, the less of it is available for creative ventures. Not only is that true for a novel work of art, it also applies to any invention or innovation. For more about the creative process see my blog post entitled “Creativity: Ideas, Invention, and Innovation”. It makes no difference whether we are talking about a new product, a new process of production, a new way of getting products to consumers, a new work of art or any other new, novel concept.
Let’s begin by looking at works of art. It is important to realize that a surplus is required before any work of art can be created. That is because the artwork is not part of the goods and services the artist uses up daily for current consumption. On a daily basis survival, along with one’s other priorities, comes first. Moreover, the materials, equipment and supplies that go into making the work of art come out of surplus as well. An essential element of the creative process is that there is no guarantee ahead of time that the idea will ever come to fruition. Regardless of whether it does or doesn’t, the person who comes up with the idea must use some of their limited TERF just to survive and to fulfill any obligations and commitments that they have taken on. That takes priority over all else. Continue reading “Surplus: Creativity”