Vision and Schism and Views
The Black Dog.
You know how it is. Copywriters dream of writing novels and art directors of their paintings in galleries. Acclaimed best sellers and red stickers fulfil the need for serious recognition. Think Peter Carey, Bryce Courtney, Ken Done, Jay Furby, Derek Hansen, and Brett Whiteley, the usual suspects who made the dream a reality.
Meanwhile, a myriad of wannabes toil over manuscripts and enter art competitions to prove themselves on a bigger stage. They dream of escaping from the humdrum, shaking off the shackles of every day, wishing and what-iffing of life outside ad land. More ‘worthy’ perhaps, more creative, and less commercial.
Outside advertising, that same restlessness was seen in world politics and warfare. Franklin D. Roosevelt for example, “If I were starting life again, I am inclined to think that I would get into the advertising business in preference to any other.” Winston Churchill, FDR’s latter-day brother-in-arms, whilst never giving advertising too much thought, did pursue both writing and painting.
He did more than pursue the creative arts, he excelled. But at what price? Some believe it was because of his bipolar disorder, not despite it, that he excelled. When all odds were against Britain, a lesser man might have given up hope. Not Churchill. Not the British bulldog.
