Text/Photo: George Manos

Originality: A hidden identity.

Let me start by saying that, flatland to me is like alchemy and this concerned, originality is my “philosopher’s stone”. Originality may seem something absolute and utopian, and in my mind is a term with so many meanings and different definitions, so I’ll try to give you one aspect of it which I think is the most fitting to simplify things for me and others.

To me originality is something connected with an identity, an identity that is evident in every aspect of the person who bears it, in every creation that holds the mark of it’s producer, a mark that cannot be forged no matter how much time and effort is given to do so. This procedure may seem difficult, if not impossible, (to create something so absolute and magnificent) but it’s not, from the moment you realize that each one has a certain, hidden, (even from himself) identity, so in order to make something with a personal mark you just have to dig deep in yourself to find the best values in you, the best sides of you, and bring them forth.

Once these value/sides are up front, you got to use them like a sculptor’s chisel and work on every material you think it’s appropriate to constitute the foundation of your work, then it’s all trial and error, cause and effect, combined with a lot of luck, patience, mental and physical struggle. If the equilibrium of all these components is correct your values we’ll be reflected on your work, and it will be recognized by others as something with it’s own personal character, it’s own meaning and existence.

The recognition is the second stage of the evaluation process. While the first (evaluation) came from you, the confirmation and re-evaluation is done by others and this is really important for the reinforcement of your primary values, otherwise you might be misleaded without even knowing so. It’s obvious at this point that the forming of each one’s identity is not only one person’s deal cause once the perception is built it has to be tested and approved by others in order to be objective, and thus real, not only to you but to others as well.

But first you have to consider if you really want to get into this, cause you have to take a leap of faith regarding all the above factors, because all these are just guidelines and subjective opinions …so good luck with the recipe, I hope it works and you’ll find yourself so that we can find you!

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