David Bowie: 'Once I've written something it does tend to run away from me. I don't seem to have any part of it - it's no longer my piece of writing.'

Once I've written something it does tend to run away from me. I don't seem to have any part of it - it's no longer my piece of writing.

David Bowie, the iconic rock musician, once said, 'Once I've written something it does tend to run away from me. I don't seem to have any part of it - it's no longer my piece of writing.' This quote captures the essence of the creative process, highlighting how an artist's creation takes on a life of its own, detached from the creator. It emphasizes the notion that once a piece of art, whether it be writing, music, or any other form of artistic expression, is birthed into the world, it becomes independent, evolving and resonating with its own significance. Bowie's perspective challenges our traditional notions of ownership and control over our creative endeavors, inviting us to explore the paradoxical nature of creation.At first glance, Bowie's quote seems to suggest a sense of detachment or loss, as he remarks that his writing runs away from him. It implies that the work he has created takes on an existence independent of his intention or authorial control. This can be seen as both exciting and intimidating, as it implies that there is more to art than the original intention of the artist.Bowie's words point to a deeper truth about creativity - that it is a co-creation between the artist and the audience. Through the act of creation, the artist injects their ideas, emotions, and experiences into their work. However, once it enters the public sphere, it is open to interpretation and interaction from others. It becomes a shared experience, where the audience brings their own perspectives, emotions, and histories to the work, breathing new life into it.In this sense, the writing or artwork stops belonging solely to the artist and begins to exist as a collective creation, reflecting the diverse experiences and interpretations it evokes. It gains the power to inspire, provoke, and impact people in ways the artist themselves may not have anticipated. The audience becomes an active participant, co-authoring the story, adding layers of meaning, and perpetuating its existence beyond the artist's intent.This idea challenges our conventional understanding of authorship and control over creative works. It questions the notion of originality, suggesting that art is a fluid and evolving entity that transcends individual ownership. Rather than viewing the work as a static creation confined to the artist's conception, Bowie's quote invites us to delve into a more egalitarian perspective, where art becomes a communal experience, shaped by each person who engages with it.In a way, Bowie's thoughts on the detachment from his own writing resonate with the philosophical concept of "the death of the author," popularized by French literary theorist Roland Barthes. Barthes argued that the intentions and biographical elements of an author should not dictate the interpretation of their work. Instead, the focus should shift towards the reader, who creates their own meaning through engagement with the text. In other words, the author's control over their work ends where the reader's interpretation begins.This concept opens up a world of possibilities, as it suggests that the true value and significance of a piece of writing or any artwork lie in its ability to resonate with the audience in unique and personal ways. It encourages us to embrace the fluidity and universality of art, allowing it to transcend the limitations of authorship and become a catalyst for connection, dialogue, and personal introspection.In conclusion, David Bowie's quote delves into the profound nature of creativity, emphasizing that once a piece of art is birthed into the world, it takes on a life of its own, detached from the artist's control. It invites us to explore the co-creation between the artist and the audience, recognizing that art gains meaning through its interaction within a collective experience. Moreover, Bowie's perspective aligns with the intriguing concept of "the death of the author," challenging our traditional notions of authorship and highlighting the importance of individual interpretation in the realm of art. Ultimately, it encourages us to embrace the multifaceted nature of artistic expression, opening ourselves up to the endless possibilities that arise when we let go of the need to control and allow our creations to flourish independently.