We live in the age of glossy images, where we all, all the time and constantly measure each other up on the images and stories we post, and where judgments fall promptly with the recognition or non-recognition of the algorithms and the outside world.
We inevitably compare ourselves to the others, and imagine, and strive for the perfect partner, the perfect career, the perfect resume; we want the perfect children, the perfect friends, the perfect holidays, and in general the perfect life.
The last thing I want, when one of my paintings has gone astray or I have overestimated my own carpentry skills, is of course to carry evidence of my own imperfection.
Everything from children's clothes and kitchen utensils to charter trips and cultural experiences are googled and thoroughly analyzed in a purchase process that often extends over several days. Many spend just as much time–if not more– capturing the perfect moments for social media. Not much room for spontaneity either here or there.
Unfortunately, this also means that we rarely brag about our flaws and errors, but prefer to hide them out of the way as precisely . . . flaws and errors: something we try to forget as soon as possible while we continue to work on retouching our perfect facade.
Admittedly, I am rarely open and honest all the way through the process myself, when I create something in the workshop. The last thing I want, when one of my paintings has gone astray or I have overestimated my own carpentry skills, is of course to carry evidence of my own imperfection. I'd much rather post something likeable or just some feel good pictures from Æ Tysk'havn.
At the same time, of course, I think it's a shame that everything becomes so boring, predictably the same. If no one feels comfortable showing their own fallibility, we will never push the boundaries and live out our real potential.
What drives innovation and evolution is error and chance, not planned perfection.
Strictly speaking, it is far cooler and more rewarding to fail than to drive home a sure success on the routine. This is also why we must all get better at showing our errors; dare to share perhaps the most valuable part of the process.
Show me your errors. I dare you!
