A Vision of ©larity

I found this sampling experience to be a lot of fun. The last time I had to make a collage was back in art class in high school, but two things differed about this assignment. Everyone seemed to use pictures from the internet as a main source, as opposed to magazine clippings or something along those lines, and there was a restriction on the range of material for the second experiment. I was originally worried that this would serve as a barrier to my creativity, but, in actuality, it only forced me to think further outside of the box.

The first experiment was undoubtedly easier, for the main challenge was to formulate a visual argument. Thanks to the insurmountable amount of information on the internet, it was fairly easy to convey that argument from mind to matter, putting all technological difficulties aside. The challenge of the second experiment, at least in my case, was essentially to portray the same argument in a different manner. I found this to be difficult not necessarily due to the available resources but more so due to my stubborn mindset; once I visualize something, I find it hard to switch it up. However, being placed in that situation only stimulated my creativity, for I had to work above and beyond my original intentions.

The product for my second experiment portrayed my message more clearly. I didn't really have trouble attaining the materials I needed, albeit there was usually a greater variety of the copyrighted material, but perhaps this restriction forced me to choose my pieces more carefully, leading to a less convoluted argument. Unless my case was odd, I may conclude that less permissible material seemingly leads to more clear-cut and thoughtful creations.

I don't think Lessig would be too pleased with that conclusion; in fact, neither am I. Without the extensive work of putting together a Creative Commons, I would have had to attained permission from a number of copyright owners, most of whom I would probably not have heard from in time. If anything, current copyright laws allow the creative expression of only those who are dedicated enough to jump through a number of hoops, which in my case were mental. People who aren’t issued mandatory assignments will never wish to deal with that, and thus copyright currently suppresses the cultural expression of the masses.

Here is my remix of Malarie's piece.