One of the great errors of modern thinking is the notion of complete originality—the idea that we can be or do something that is entirely of ourselves, not borrowed or imitated or conformed in any way.

This is especially true in the world of art, where places of honor are now most reserved for those who are the first, rather than the best—the first to use a particular technique, the first to employ a different perspective, the first to cross some boundary of acceptability.  It has in extreme cases led to a celebration of what is weird more than what is good.

But in fact, none of us is or can ever be entirely original—that belongs to the Creator God alone.  Think of your own works of art on the walls around the school: They are, in many cases, imitations of the masters, who themselves were imitators of nature or borrowed heavily from artists who came before them. 

And yet, each of their works, and each of your works is, in another sense, entirely your own—no two pieces on the walls are exactly the same, even when they are imitations of the same great work.

C.S Lewis explains the secret of it all: “no man who bothers about originality will ever be original: whereas if you simply try to tell the truth (without caring twopence how often it has been told before) you will, nine times out of ten, become original without ever having noticed it.”

In your art, and beyond, don’t worry so much about being unique—rather, imitate excellence, and chances are, in your own, God-given uniqueness, you may contribute something original after all.

Have a wonderful day.