Pete- Been sent an email with photos ripped off the web with no credit to the artists, stating creative people have "too much spare time". Angry.
Me- I was saying last week that reading that line always makes me angry. Ignorant people.
Pete- I don't wish to make you even more angry... but 5 of the images were yours and there's no watermark
Me- Can't say I'm surprised.
Pete- but the title of the email was "Incredible Imaginations"... there's something :/
It didn't help much.
I come across that line far too often- "They must have too much time on their hands." I'll see something really neat on the internet, and written somewhere in the comment section, I'll find those words. How many hours does that commenter spend watching television, surfing the internet, or playing video games?
If you spend 3 hours a day on passive entertainment (which is probably a very low estimate), that's 21 hours a week that could be used to write something interesting, make something cool, or creating something absolutely nutty that you and some other people might really enjoy. If you aren't doing something along these lines, then I think that it might be you who isn't spending your time wisely, and not the other way 'round.
I challenge you to try it.
48 comments:
Brilliant.
It also assumes that people only do creative work in "free time" and spend the rest of their time doing "real work."
Challenge accepted!
I couldn't agree more. I limit the amount of TV I watch so that I have time for my art. Even when I do watch TV, I'm usually knitting at the same time so I'm still making something instead of just passively watching.
But some people are just not makers like we are, I suspect. To them what we do must seem odd but really it's just a case of having different priorities.
Mister, you go right ahead having too much free time. People like that, who complain about the dumbest things, are the type who are miserable with their job because they're trying to do what they figure society wants them to do instead of what THEY want to do. Too much free time or not, you're obviously happier and I sure as hell don't want to view the work of someone who hates their life.
I find this a bit arrogant.
I suspect that there are times that the comment "...too much time on their hands..." is probably an expression of admiration, or even envy, of the talent displayed.
I work 55 - 60 hours a week, rarely watch TV (although I will admit to a weakness for old cartoons), take care of my aging mother, work in cocker spaniel rescue, take classes to finish my masters' degree and I have two sons, a niece and a nephew living in my home attending college. Anyone who has time to do crafts definitely has more time than I do.
You might find a whole lot of people out there like me if you bothered to stop generalizing about others as you accuse others of doing.
No one HAS too much time (free or otherwise) for creating art/insert activity here... Driven people MAKE time for what they are passionate about and what is important to them, be it a funky wire sculpture, or perhaps cocker spaniel rescue.
you hit the nail on the head, Border! right on.
i agree with CarolAnn - jealousy/envy spurs comments like that.
CarolAnn- In what language is that supposed to be a compliment?
Sounds like you're busy doing good things. Hats off to you.
Was he complaining about YOUR images? What a douche bag. While I agree with giving credit to the original artist and copyright laws, he still doesn't have to be so mean about it. It takes a lot to create and I would rather do that than sit and watch tv. He's just jealous. Keep up the good work.
hey there, i found your blogspot about three months ago. i was instantly in love and told my everyone i know, (couldn't keep somthing this great to myself!)
ignore the haters and take relief and pride that something you enjoy doing (creating these AWESOME pics & books) brings pleasure to so many people !!
amymae
Think about it... to someone else, what isn't a waste of time...
I'm sure many think I waste too much time writing on novels, plays, etc. While I think telemarketers waste more time than anybody--what are they doing with their time? They are just wasting mine.
Even checking out blogs (like yours) is inspiring... not time wasting.
Besides, I can't grade papers for eight hours straight. I would go completely mad.
I find it amusing each time you come up with a new "bent object". Keep doing what you're doing! :) You never fail to brighten my day! :)
I was told by my housemate I had to much time because I make handmade cards & scrapbook as a hobby. I told her she could do the same thing but instead she sits in front of the computer for hours doing nothing but surf facebook. Your work is awesome. I admire your talent & creativity & love it that you share with the world!
It's all just a matter of perspective. I think you should take this opportunity to make an image with the title "Too Much Time On His Hands" and see where you can go with it...
Considering how busy CarolAnn is, how did she find the time to read this blog and write a post? That my friends, is the real Davinci Code.
Sad but true. I've always enjoyed making things with my hands, some things useful, some not, but I'm always inspired by others' creativity as well. Currently I enjoy knitting...a lot. I knit every day, even after a long day of work. It's relaxing and energizing, and keeps me from killing people (kidding), and I love being able to knit beautiful socks and sweaters and hats for my family and myself. I occasionally knit in public when I am waiting in line or for appointments, and also with friends that knit. I cannot ell you the times that people pass us and say things like "oh I thought that was dead and gone" and my favorite..."I don't have time for that kind of foolishness; will you knit me a sweater?" wow.
That phrase irritates me too. Especially when I know it comes from one who has NOTHING TO SHOW for how they spend THEIR spare time.
I agree with Joe -- it calls for a bent object about "time!"
Thanks for putting it so eloquently Terry, you know I'm with you on this!
People who say stuff like that either never had a creative thought in their dull lives, or they are just jealous of someone doing what he likes with his time (and earning a living doing it).
I take your challenge on a daily basis, and it keeps me a lot more happy. Keep on bending those objects, sir.
that michelangelo, right lazy bugger
I was actually forwarded that email, recognized your work and was bothered for all the same reasons you were, especially the missing watermarks (I didn't pass it on). Most people don't bother taking the time to do anything worthwhile and are bothered by people who do take the time to make something awesome.
Frankly, I was expecting to hear a similar comment when I carved my own face on a jack o lantern, but I don't think I'm popular enough to attract that kind of ire. Good for you that you are!
http://wisdomofthemoon.blogspot.com/2009/09/do-i-look-crazed-or-is-it-just-my.html
BTW, you are a constant inspiration to me and my homeschooled daughter. Giving her time to make stuff like this is a huge part of our curriculum.
thanks for this post. It is a good reminder that this is something you *make* time to do, and that everyone has some free time, they just choose to spend it differently.
thank you for your words. they are exactly the encouragement i need.
Amen to that!
That reminds of this tweet:
http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2009/10/you_say_looks_like_somebody_has_too.html
You say "looks like someone has too much time on their hands" but all I hear is "I'm sad because I don't know what creativity feels like."
Clay Shirkey did a speech about this at an Internet conference a year or so ago. You can find it here on Youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyoNHIl-QLQ
Some interesting stuff!
Without having read any of the other comments, I think people who say you have too much time on your hands are just jealous because they know they'll never have anything approaching your level of creativity and quirky uniqueness.
Also, I read an online news article about you & your pictures a few months ago but couldn't locate the article again, so I googled "food zombie peanuts photography" and your blog came up as the first result. I love Google and the Internet *grins*
I agree with you 100% and am often the recipient of those same words after people see my own works. Feel free to have a peek for yourself:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/karmaadjuster/collections/
Or better yet, watch this talk given by Clay Shirky on just this topic:
http://blip.tv/file/855937
Anytime someone tells me that I have too much free time, I point them at this video. You'll love it, I promise.
Wow. I must admit, I've uttered that wretched phrase more often than I'd like to admit. But seeing it from that point of view is enlightening. I swear it shall never cross my lips again.
Joe
Oops! Looks like "The Queen of Fifty Cents" beat me to it! Sorry for not reading all the comments before posting my own.
However now you've got two people recommending you watch Clay Shirky's talk :)
And thank you Queen for posting the youtube version of it as well.
what worries me is that you don't get credit for your work. do they crop the 'bent object' mark from the photos?
Paulina- pretty regularly. then they add their own.
Thanks to everyone for these comments, etc. I'll check out that vid, too.
I got the same email and it prompted me to look for the credit they deserved. I found this blog and am very happy to enjoy your work straight from the source! :)
Well said!
I've had too much spare time at work :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQD8kkTTbJY
Cool stuff! Think if a person can't make time for their "hands" they would be horribly boring people.
http://www.etoday.ru/2010/03/ozhivshie-predmeti-terri-borde.php
Found you on this foreign language site today.
Oh I agree some much!! I never watch TV unless there is something REALLY special on... okey, I do surf a lot but I feel that's way more interactive. I write to people, I don't stare at a box. And I have a lot of "free time" to make creative stuff, or plan creative stuff, because I have no reason to stick around the "idiot box" all day.
So yeah, we do have a lot of free time, because we choose not to be sheep and make something usefull with our time!!
couldn't agree more! And it seems that you take the time you're missing on your meal time cos you really look obsessed with food!
I got to say I really love your work it is so imaginative... I think you'd also be pleased to hear tha I learned about your website in a famous french magazine! And I was wondering if your book was also on sale in France?
People are funny. I think they say that to make themselves feel better about themselves.
I make my own bread, and make muffins and muesli bars for my children's school lunchboxes.
I don't mention it though, because of the number of times I'm told 'Oh I don't have time for that.'
Well I make time for it. I don't watch TV in the evening because I CHOOSE to cook instead.
It's my choice, it's others' choice to live the way they want to. But maybe they could just say (as in your case) 'Wow that's great!'
I have an in-law who used to constantly tell me I was wasting my time, sitting there knitting like that. Then I got published, my book did very well, and all the sudden I was a designer and a professional. And I got there how, exactly? Springing fully-formed from the head of Zeus? (There's an image, Terry, go for it!) Practice and work and the vision to keep at it.
Thank you for yours and for all the laughs we get out of your work!
--AlisonH at spindyeknit.com
I hear this all too often. Although I'm not an "artist" of sorts, I do create and sell my wares at various festivals and art/craft fairs. So many times the question is "do you make all of this?" Of course I do! Their response, "you must have a lot of time."
Thanks for validating the big question mark in my head when these words are uttered.
Terry,
I think you are an awesome artist with a wonderful sense of humor! Love your art!
BTW - Posted your Easter card on my FB and gave your blogspot address. Hoepfully some friends will come by to enjoy your website!
Looking forward to more inspiration!
Blessings,
Fenny
Thank you so much for saying this. If the amazing art you create comes out of having "too much spare time" then we should all be so lucky. Also where would any of us be if no one was creative? We'd still be living unhappy, humourless lives in caves.
Hi Terry,
i wanted to stop in and tell you that this entry has stuck in my mind since you posted it.
i've been well corrected about who, exactly, has too much time...
Thank you so much for prying open my mind just a wee bit more, and for sharpening my already deep appreciation for artists everywhere.
:) :)
I received one of the emails mentioned with the 'artists with too much time on their hands line'...
Completely aside from how that email comment is interpreted, I will say that *I* wouldn't have looked for your site or found it unless I'd seen that email with the terrific images.
Some of them had a 'bent objects' in the text, other didn't, but googling the email title, and 'bent' brought me right here.
You can choose whether you want to spend your time and energy being annoyed about the email or not, but at least from my point of view, someone out there liked your work enough to send it to friends, trying to give a one-liner to intro it... and a *lot* of others liked your work enough to pass in on to others, and others...
Frankly, aside from whether the title/intro line was what you would like, the *result* seems to be a lot of positive exposure for your work, and a lot of enjoyment for those of us who have gotten to see some of it... IMO, that sounds pretty good for someone's probably-casual/quick email...
I do realize that this kind of thing isn't just wasted time, and it takes a lot of thought and creativity and skill to do as well as you're doing these. Probably most of the viewers would.
Frankly, I love the ones I've seen so far, and think they're hilarious. I was laughing out loud as I went through the email.
I'll be passing on a copy of the email to friends myself, though now that I know about your site, I'll be adding that site info, and maybe changing that title...
So, ignore my thoughts if you like, just IMO.
Good luck, and I hope you keep up the great creative expression, in whatever time you do it... ;-)
sincerely,
jeff
p.s. I think CarolAnn might have had part of it right when she said above 'I suspect that there are times that the comment "...too much time on their hands..." is probably an expression of admiration, or even envy, of the talent displayed.' ~~~ IMO, that's how I first read it... as what someone with real talent and creativity can do when they have the time/opportunity to express themselves and make something really fun... admiration, not looking down on someone who doesn't have anything better to do...
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