"Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean."
Ryunosuke Satoro
It’s natural to want to compete. Designers want to do their best and be the best in their field. To some degree it’s a survival instinct. We assume the best rise to the top and have plenty of assignments.
Yet no one succeeds alone. So the young designers from the High School of Art and Design who were chosen to paint original works on the walls of the newly opened Andaz 5th Avenue had two challenges: create distinctive art, and become an ocean of goodwill and expression.
Among my core beliefs is that the end result should be greater than the sum of its parts. This can only happen if every artist in your design group reaches within themselves for their best, most inspired ideas…while also working wholeheartedly towards a common goal. For some, this is a paradox that is difficult to embrace: We encourage the individual, and then ask that they subsume personal choice for the greater good. Yet in my experience, this is the path to remarkable results — and often revelation for the artist who begins to understand the inherent power of collaboration.
So you can understand how moved and impressed I was when the HSAD artists — so naturally worked so well together. They took on the challenge as a group. They drew from their individual strengths, yet generously helped and encouraged each other. In doing so, everyone grew and became better artists.
Yes, they are all competitive and full of zeal. They want to do well and be seen as rising stars. Yet intuitively they also seemed to realize that cooperation and mutual support are as essential as a palate of colors and a good idea.
It is not only one person's work, it's really a partnership and collaboration during all these years.
Christo
Regina Rubino
Christo
Regina Rubino
