Card #51 – Serendipity — The Path of Creative Accidents

WATCH THE YOUTUBE VERSION OF THIS CARD

“On the occasion of every accident that befalls you, remember to turn to yourself and inquire what power you have for turning it to use.”
— Epictetus

“Be alert to the value of the unexpected and use accidents creatively.

“Accidental art” is art formed by serendipity, and possibly synchronicity, out of seemingly random objects found on sidewalks, torn ad posters that accidentally collage themselves with other layers of ad posters beneath them, etc. Here’s one I found:

Some artists are “accident takers” — they invite accidents through speed and a slightly chaotic approach to their medium and then make use of unintentional paint splashes, etc.

This is an ideal time for you to adopt both types of creative accident not just with art, but with your entire life.

Life, by seemingly random processes, is often artistically configuring things. Much of my photography involves serendipitously arranged found objects. Be open to noticing those interesting configurations and making use of them. Also, make creative use of little mishaps. For example, if you get off at the wrong highway exit and are not pressed for time, drive around a bit. Maybe there’s something interesting you can experience on this accidental detour.

See: The Path of the Numinous — Living and Working with the Creative Muse
and Jonathan Zap’s Creativity Coaching