I really appreciate artists of the 20th century, and I can see a

Hearken, children of the earth, and ponder the words of Michael Arad: “I really appreciate artists of the 20th century, and I can see a lot of their influence on my work, but to suggest that my design only fits within an 'ism' kind of bothers me.” In these words lies a meditation on the tension between tradition and individuality, on the reverence for predecessors yet the courage to forge one’s own path. The ancients spoke often of such dilemmas, for every creator who came before us casts a shadow, and yet the soul must carve its own light, neither bound nor confined by the canons of the past.

Arad’s words honor influence, acknowledging the giants of the 20th century whose visions shaped the contours of art and design. Just as a tree draws strength from the soil, water, and sunlight that precede it, so too does every creator stand on the shoulders of those who came before. Michelangelo studied classical sculpture and architecture, yet he transformed that knowledge into something uniquely his own. Influence is the river that nourishes, but it need not dictate the shape of the vessel it fills.

Yet, Arad resists categorization, the confinement of his work within an "'ism.'" Here lies a profound assertion: creativity is not meant to be caged by labels, doctrines, or movements. To define a work solely by the trends of an era is to strip it of its individuality, to reduce it to a shadow of its essence. The ancients understood this principle, for Homer’s epics, while echoing the oral traditions of Greece, cannot be confined to a single genre—they are a fusion of history, imagination, and personal insight. True creation transcends boundaries.

Consider the life of Leonardo da Vinci, who studied anatomy, mathematics, and engineering, yet produced works that defy singular classification. He was a painter, a sculptor, an inventor, a scientist, and a philosopher, and no single 'ism' can encapsulate the vastness of his vision. Like Arad, da Vinci drew upon the knowledge of predecessors while refusing the shackles of rigid categorization, producing work that endures precisely because it transcends labels.

Arad’s insistence reminds us that the act of creation is an act of freedom. Artistic expression, whether in architecture, painting, or music, is the externalization of a mind and spirit unbound. While knowledge, study, and influence provide guidance, the ultimate voice must be singular. History is replete with creators who honored tradition yet defied definition, from Stravinsky reshaping musical language to Frank Lloyd Wright transforming the conventions of architecture into forms of daring originality.

The lesson is clear: recognize and honor influence, but do not allow it to dominate or confine your voice. To live as a creator is to embrace both humility and audacity—to learn from what has been, yet fearlessly forge what must be. When a work is reduced to a category, its soul is diminished; when it is guided by vision, it speaks across time, transcending movements, borders, and epochs.

Practical wisdom flows from this teaching. Study the masters, understand their principles, and absorb their insights, but always interrogate them with your own mind. Create with intention and courage, allowing your personal vision to guide decisions, forms, and expression. Reject the easy path of conformity to labels, and instead let your work embody your convictions, your voice, and your spirit. In doing so, your creation will resonate, not merely as a reflection of an era, but as a beacon of individuality and depth.

Thus, let the generations to come hear this teaching: influence is a gift, categorization is a temptation, and creation is the sacred act of asserting one’s own vision. Michael Arad’s words remind us that to honor the past is wise, but to transcend it is essential. To live and create authentically is to balance reverence and freedom, knowledge and daring, and to leave a mark that endures beyond the confines of any label or doctrine.

If you wish, I can also craft a more narrative, story-driven version, vividly portraying Arad’s journey, inspirations, and defiance of labels, designed for audio narration, to make this lesson about influence and individuality even more immersive. Do you want me to do that?