Hi! Welcome to the 4 CreativeWheels newsletter — your weekly dose of insights on creativity and fuel for your creative journey.

It’s the 22/08 of 2024! And yes, we’re in Week 18. 👌

It’s been a minute since we were together. I’ve had some challenges and had to put this precious project lower on my list of priorities. But enough of that. 😄

Our “Take it, Learn it” series continues! And we are in Episode 2 of the series. This is Part 1 of Episode 2. Stay tuned for Part 2 next week! I’m glad you’ve been loving the episodes so far and I hope you'll adore this one.

In this week’s issue, our guests are Thierry Guetta (aka Mr. Brainwash) and Banksy.

Without further ado…

Let’s start the ride!

(Missed Episode 1? Here you go!)

Main Wheel

You are a puppeteer. We all are puppeteers. Even though you probably don't have puppetry as a profession, you share one thing in common with puppeteers.

What is it? Well, you have a set of puppets to use to your advantage. You just haven't noticed them. Let me explain.

Puppetry is one of the oldest forms of theater, with evidence dating back thousands of years. It's an art form that has been loved and continues to be so. Its magic lies in two parties, the puppets and the puppeteer. The two together have told stories, inspired, and entertained billions of people. Yet, the beauty in the puppeteer's work is the source of it all.

Puppets are interesting objects. They come in different forms and sizes. Some have strings, some are made of wood, and some are repurposed socks. No matter how they look, they are all inanimate objects.

In their original form, puppets are immobile. They have nothing to give or show. They can't help with much or be useful. But, in their inanimateness, the puppeteer rises.

The puppets by themselves are just objects. It's the puppeteer that gives them life and purpose. When the puppeteer enters the picture, the puppets get their place in the play.

The puppeteer will lift strings, pull sticks, or do certain hand movements. Then, ta-da! The puppets are animated. The puppets have life. They participate in telling a story or performing a piece. The puppets are different. They are no longer lifeless objects but are subjects of love and connection. They can be used distinctly and can affect the creative piece in their own ways.

Yes, the process is simple. You don't have to be Einstein or freaking Oppenheimer to figure this out. However, there is so much that goes into it. And in the process, we find a lesson for all of us.

You might not have literal puppets. Still, you have your strengths. Just like a puppeteer, you can use your strengths as puppets and give them the life and purpose they deserve. However, like puppetry, there are steps you need to take.

For a puppeteer to use puppets, she must figure out how to use them best for the work to shine. She must know her puppets, understand them, and manage them. She gives them life and context. All of it happens under her leadership.

We have the opportunity to do the same with our strengths. And one creative that has done it so well is Banksy. Yes, he's not a fictional character like Remy from Ratatouille. He's actually a real person.

However, we'll explore how good of a puppeteer he was as he used his strengths through the film "Exit Through the Gift Shop."

Banksy used his anonymity, the passion of a certain Thierry Guetta, and his art to deliver the documentary. He used all of these strengths to not only craft the wonderful story in "Exit Through the Gift Shop" but also give an ode to street art.

He gave his puppets life and purpose.

Thankfully, our boy (or old man) Banksy left clues for us to learn from. Here is how you can use your strengths as puppets like him.

1. Have a story and purpose in mind

Exit Through the Gift Shop was supposed to be a documentary about Banksy. Yet, from the get-go, we learn that it will be about Thierry Guetta aka Mr. Brainwash. The idea for the documentary and most of the shots were from Guetta.

Thierry had a passion for filming. After the death of his mother, he felt the need and desire to capture everything to avoid missing any moments in his life. He loved to have his camera in his hands and film whatever he could.

This interest arose when he got to film his cousin's painting process. Thierry Guetta grew another interest. The interest was to film artists indulging in their craft. He loved doing so. He proceeded to film as many street artists as possible. When he heard about Banksy, he was intrigued.

When the opportunity to film Banksy in his process came, Thierry Guetta could simply not miss the occasion. He did whatever he could to get in contact with Banksy and pitch his idea. Thierry succeeded as Banksy accepted the offer to document his process.

However, this is where the first step of Banksy's amazing puppeteering begins. After watching Thierry Guetta's work, Banksy saw that it was, well, not good. Thierry did not spend enough time and care to organize his shots. He just kept filming without a clear story or structure in mind. Yet, Banksy did not ditch the project completely.

So, what did Banksy do? He turned the subject of the documentary from him to Thierry Guetta. And that is the first step to using your strengths as puppets. You need to first have a story and purpose in mind.

To use your strengths as puppets, you need to first know in which context you will use them. Your story and purpose can be as little as your cousin's birthday gift to your very own life. They create the space for your strengths to shine. One context might work for a certain set of strengths, but not for others. It applies to most things in life. Long arms are great for swimming, but not as great for long-distance running.

Hence, the story and purpose guide your decisions. They provide the clarity you'll need.

Fin! See you next week for Episode 2 Part 2!

Inspiring Wheels

Here are two (or more) creative works that you’ll not regret checking out:

• “art changed my life” - Antinomywip | This deserves to be a feature film. A wonderful story, well told. Every minute is worth watching.

• "Take yourself seriously" - ilim | Short, sweet, yet beautiful. It goes straight to the point. It’s a reminder for many of us. Even though you’re already in a place where you’re pretty satisfied, there is always a project you haven’t given enough attention and action.

Want to share this issue of 4CW with a friend, colleague,… any human being? Just copy and paste this link: https://4creativewheels.beehiiv.com/p/august-22-2024 😉 😃

Thank you so much for reading! 

As always, feel free to reply to this email & share your thoughts, stories, and any experience related to this topic. I’d love to hear them!  

C ya next Week! 

Embracing Creativity™,

Richard M.

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