Reflection: David Blaine Ted Talk

I think that a large part of art is defying the expectations that are set for you. Whether these expectations come from family, or society, or the art community; amazing art happens when you push just outside of those expectations. That’s what magician David Blaine did. Blaine might self identify as a magician, but in my opinion, the way he thinks about his work really is art. He describes his process as creating images that make people stop and think. I think that is the very definition of art.

The first time that Blaine attempted his great feat, he failed because people expected more of him than he knew he was capable of. He knew he wasn’t prepared and that the conditioned imposed by others where simply impractical. However, when he made his final attempt, the expectations were just beyond his reach and so he was able to push through. The expectations we set should be higher than what we know we are capable of, but not too high that we jump and fall completely.

The research and determination behind Blaine’s attempt at holding his breath longer than anyone ever has reminds me of the way that I create art. I feel like a lot of the time, artists just jump right in to the water and start holding (sorry for the silly metaphor, I couldn’t resist). As incredibly passionate and creative people, artists will often act first, think later. I’ve felt a little alienated in the art word because I have so much trouble approaching things with a free creativity. I like thinking things through, solving problems, and figuring it out. I spend so much time thinking and I’m not sure if it always works out. However, it worked for Blaine.