Bowie's Creative Philosophy

In a 1973 interview with Russel Harty, Bowie shared insights about his creative process, stating, "I’ve always found that I collect; I’m a collector. I seem to gather personalities and ideas... I have a rather eclectic philosophy that is quite minimal."

This suggests that Bowie was adept at scavenging useful and intriguing elements from a wide range of artistic expressions, regardless of their cultural standing. His ability to curate and reassemble various artistic components allowed him to create truly memorable music.

This eclecticism is further illustrated in John O'Connell's book, "Bowie’s Books," which catalogs Bowie’s personal library. Among classics like Camus' "The Outsider" and T.S. Eliot's "The Waste Land," one finds playful British comic books like "The Beano" and "Viz." While Eliot's influence is evident throughout Bowie's work, it’s fascinating to consider how comic characters like Johnny Fartpants might have inspired him.

The Cultural Buffet

Yet, there lies a conundrum…

Given Bowie's penchant for collecting, how would he have fared in an era that bombards us with captivating content around the clock? This could unfold in two distinct ways…

On one hand, a younger Bowie might have thrived with unprecedented access to fresh ideas and artistic approaches via the internet. A later video of Bowie reveals his thoughts about the nascent internet in 1999, suggesting he could have flourished in such an environment, producing a plethora of hits that draw from obscure references.

However, I lean towards the belief that an overwhelming influx of influences might stifle creativity. As a professional writer, I often find myself navigating a deluge of information for a simple 500-word piece, struggling to maintain my unique vision while appeasing multiple stakeholders.

I can envision Bowie's inquisitive mind being inundated with so many ideas that it could hinder his artistic progression. His collection of influences might become a heavy burden rather than a source of inspiration.

The Echo Chamber Effect

Additionally, would Bowie have fallen prey to the algorithms that shape our online experiences?

It's unsettling to think about how much of what we consume daily is manipulated by unseen forces. I've personally had to step back from my own echo chambers, which raises the question: Would Bowie's artistic output have remained as rich and varied had he been exposed to algorithm-driven platforms in his early years?

While I appreciate and utilize the internet (as evidenced by this very writing), I still see immense value in tangible artifacts like books and vinyl records. An article I read recently, "Why Analog is Better Than Digital" by David Jardine, echoes this sentiment.

A Hypothetical Exploration

We may never know how a young Bowie would have navigated this so-called ‘Information Age’. However, we do know that in his later years, he engaged deeply with the digital community and even anticipated aspects of the internet that have since become commonplace.

This contemplation has sparked a fascinating thought experiment. I’m curious about your perspective as well.

Does an abundance of information cloud our capacity for creativity? Is there still merit in physical repositories of knowledge like books and records? Was Bowie a genius or merely a curator of others’ ideas?

I welcome your thoughts on this topic.

P.S. If you enjoy this discussion, consider following me for more insights—though I won’t be offended if you choose not to.

In this video, David Bowie discusses his thoughts on the internet and its potential impact on creativity.

Here, Michael Bell shares insights on how Bowie's legacy continues to inspire creativity in today's world.