Chapter 1: The Nature of Artistic Crushes

Have you ever experienced an artistic crush? It’s akin to the innocent infatuations of youth, but instead of a romantic interest, it’s admiration for someone’s creative talents. Much like those early crushes, I found myself hesitant to express my admiration for artistic figures.

Recently, I watched the documentary Exit Through The Gift Shop, which chronicles the story of Banksy and a shy French filmmaker who became a graffiti artist known as Mr. Brainwash. While the filmmaker may not fit the traditional mold of a documentary creator, his journey offered him valuable insights that shaped his own artistic endeavors.

Every artist aspires to originality, yet the fear of being labeled unoriginal can stifle creativity. This apprehension often leads to the reluctance to share sources of inspiration.

For many years, I too hesitated to reveal my artistic influences. Jake Gyllenhaal, in particular, had a profound impact on my journey as a young actor. I was captivated by his performances in films like Donnie Darko, and I was eager to understand his methods. Every piece of advice he offered in interviews became part of my own artistic toolkit. At times, I felt guilty, as if I were appropriating his craft, but in retrospect, I recognize that this is a natural part of the artistic process.

The notion of being an "inspiration collector" resonates with me. I envision carrying a metaphorical backpack filled with the influences and experiences that have shaped my artistic identity. Without realizing it, I blend these inspirations into a unique style that defines the artist writing this blog today. There is no shame in this practice.

Author: Nick Cain