unfiltered thoughts: code is art
Monday, June 9th, 2008Is being creative the same as producing art? What is art? What is being creative? As a software developer I have always said that I do what I do because it is a good paying creative career. I think that like all disciplines, making good art is very, very difficult. Music, photography, painting, and performance are the typical art form. They have the ability to make you feel something that you would otherwise not feel. Looking at good art art moves you. It inspires you. Does my work as a software developer inspire others? I am not sure. Does it help others? yes. My conclusion is that my software can be art, but it typically is not.
My work does require creative abilities, however. For me this is most of the reward for working in software. Software makes me think. Solving hard problems and predicting a user’s expectations are problems that are very satisfying to solve. However, it is not everything. My expression is not noticed by any other is way that may make them feel something that they would otherwise not feel. (expect upset when it does not work the way they want it to)
I hope I can look back at this post in the coming years and be happy that I began to strive to inspire others through my work instead of just making a dime.