Digital is edging out analog because it democratizes craft. We’ve greased artistic expression and access to talent with the speed of friction-free physics. Evidently neither technology nor egalitarianism does anything to stir the soul. Common sense leads us to expect an artistic tornado of stunning art. It’s a numbers thing.

The Moog Synthesizer had switched on Bach yet Moog Music isn’t an enduring listen. Rauschenberg erases beauty thus inspires – or provokes – the heart of an artistic movement. The contrast lies in communication – one way or two way; a cry for attention or a deep conversation, hobby or conviction.

Art is poetry when “poetry” is an emotionally rewarded aesthetic banter with our senses. Reduce craft to a one button push, the poetry now includes a lackluster effort to engage – similar to a street passing of two indifferent relations. There is no strength in laziness. A case for the enduring slog: Willem de Kooning to Rauschenberg, “I want to give you something very hard to erase.”

Genius lies in understanding that art involves the consumer’s world view, the context in which it is consumed, the collaborative nature of the work and the commitment of the artist. With his erased de Kooning, Rauschenberg proves that great art works don’t necessarily involve the tools of great skill. Our democratized digital renaissance proves similar; great tools don’t necessarily produce works of great art.

Undeniable. We live in interesting times.  Perhaps it takes more courage – albeit a different kind (a New Kind if you will) – to live now than during the original Renaissance.  Creativity is spilling into the streets creating an awareness that we haven’t seen before these last few years.

According to David Burney, we are living through a “Democratized Renaissance“, one in which creativity is available to more people.  New tool sets allow everyone to compete, whether you choose to be an artist or find your niche in business or both.

In part II of the interview with David Burney, he frames his ideas about what we should be thinking in the next decade and what our value is currently as creative professionals.

Biography (via NEW KIND website)

David has nearly 30 years experience building and leading creative services organizations. Most recently, David served for 4 1/2 years as Vice President of Brand Communications and Design at Red Hat—one of the most disruptive technology brands in the world. David led the company’s overall brand communications strategy, including all creative communications functions.

Prior to Red Hat, David was the owner of Burney Design, partner and Chief Creative Officer at Capstrat, and Chief Designer at the NC Museum of Art.

In addition to serving as Red Hat’s brand executive, David also created an internal innovation program to drive the power of design thinking throughout the company. The program fast became an integral part of quarterly executive meetings. It was subsequently leveraged across the company worldwide to create departmental and individual goals that align with annual corporate business objectives.

David is an active and long-time member of AIGA, the professional association for design. He was a founding member of the Raleigh chapter where he has served as President. He has also served as the Chair of the National President’s Council.