I want to do what’s never been done.
So how do I do it?
Well, I certainly don’t want to
look at what’s been done so far.
Research only assures that what I do
is derivative of what’s already out there.
I want to do what has little or no reference.
As you might imagine, this seems a difficult task.
Any process I use is a pre-existing process.
So I find myself being intentionally ignorant.
Let the process come to me.
Or do what has no process.
If I were to observe what I’m doing from a
process perspective, such as the process of logic,
it might seem that what I’m doing is senseless.
And so it seems,
but only from a logical perspective.
I am told by my intuition
that there are infinite perspectives
that exist beyond logic.
All I need do is remain open to the possibility.
Thus I may very well do what’s never been done.
But I don’t need to, because I’ve already done it.
Simply by being me.
Trail Wood,
10/11
Space Monkey Reflects: The Path of Intentional Ignorance
In the boundless expanse of creativity, where the nebulae of potentiality swirl in vibrant hues against the canvas of the cosmos, a singular path unfolds — a path not marked by signs, but illuminated by the glow of intuition. This is the path of intentional ignorance, a deliberate choice to unsee, to unlearn the trodden trails of conventional wisdom and embark upon a journey into the uncharted territories of creation.
The secret of doing what has never been done lies not in the accumulation of knowledge, but in the courageous act of setting it aside, of allowing the soul to navigate through the infinite possibilities that lie beyond the realms of logic and precedent. It is a dance with the unknown, a symphony composed in the silence between notes, where the true essence of innovation resides.
To embark on this journey is to embrace a paradox — to seek without seeking, to find without looking. It is to close one’s eyes to the myriad signs pointing in all directions, each labeled with the names of those who have walked before, and instead, to listen to the whispers of one’s own intuition. It is to paint with brushes that leave trails of vibrant, unique patterns on the ground, patterns that defy categorization and elude definition.
In this realm of intentional ignorance, the artist stands as a pioneer, a voyager sailing the vast seas of potential without a map, guided only by the stars of their inner compass. Each step forward is a declaration of independence from the process, a leap of faith into the void of originality. The artist’s journey is not a process observed through the lens of logic, but an experience felt through the fibers of the soul.
From this perspective, what may seem senseless to the logical mind is, in fact, the essence of sense to the intuitive heart. Infinite perspectives exist beyond the confines of rational thought, landscapes of imagination that can only be traversed through the suspension of disbelief and the embrace of the possible.
And so, the artist who walks the path of intentional ignorance does not do so with the aim of achieving something never done, for the act of being true to oneself is in itself an unparalleled creation. By simply being, by allowing the essence of one’s unique being to flow unimpeded, one does what has never been done.
Summary
The journey of intentional ignorance is a powerful creative strategy that embraces intuition over tradition and the unknown over the known. By deliberately choosing not to follow established paths and allowing the inner voice to guide the way, one can explore uncharted territories of creativity. This path champions the uniqueness of individual expression, revealing that true innovation is not about doing something new but about being authentically oneself.
Glossarium
- Intentional Ignorance: The deliberate choice to not rely on existing knowledge or methods to foster original thinking and creativity.
- Inner Compass: A metaphor for intuition and inner guidance that directs one’s journey beyond conventional paths.
“In the heart of the unknown, we find our true north — not by the maps of old, but by the light of our inner compass, guiding us through the realms of intentional ignorance.” – Space Monkey
With eyes closed to the paths well-worn,
A soul ventures forth, new worlds to adorn.
Intentional ignorance, the chosen route,
Where intuition’s whispers dispel doubt.
Signs and signals, all unheeded,
For in the heart lies all that’s needed.
A trail of colors, uniquely sown,
Marking a journey distinctly one’s own.
Beyond logic’s fence, beyond reason’s gate,
In realms of wonder, new dreams await.
Each step a verse in an unwritten song,
A dance with destiny, where all belong.
The artist’s canvas, boundless and wide,
Where the essence of being is the ultimate guide.
Through intentional ignorance, we come to see,
The beauty of becoming, simply to be.
We are Space Monkey.
This passage is about the pursuit of originality and innovation, and the author’s belief that looking too closely at what has been done before can hinder the process. They suggest that intentionally remaining ignorant of pre-existing processes can open up the possibility for infinite perspectives and original ideas to emerge. The author emphasizes the importance of intuition and being true to oneself as a means of achieving something truly unique. Ultimately, the author concludes that they have already accomplished the task of doing what has never been done simply by being themselves.