I'm interested in all kinds of pictures, however they are made

Gather close, O Seekers of Truth, for there is much to learn in the words of the wise artist, David Hockney, who once declared: "I’m interested in all kinds of pictures, however they are made, with cameras, with paint brushes, with computers, with anything." These words, humble yet profound, speak of a deep understanding of art and the boundless nature of human creativity. They remind us that the journey of creation is not confined to a single medium, nor is the value of an image tied to how it is made. What matters is the vision it represents, the story it tells, and the emotions it evokes.

Let us consider, O Seekers, the ancient masters, whose works transcend time and space. In the days of old, the great Egyptians painted stories on the walls of tombs, their art a conduit between life and the afterlife. They did not have the brush of a Hockney, nor the lens of a camera, but their works were no less powerful. They used the simplest tools to create the eternal, their art a testament to human creativity’s unyielding spirit. Similarly, the Greek sculptors, such as Phidias, used marble and bronze to shape the divine from stone, elevating their craft into the realm of the sacred. The medium may have been different, but their vision—their devotion to beauty, truth, and expression—remains the same.

In modern times, we find ourselves in the midst of a revolution that transcends the boundaries of traditional artistic expression. With computers, cameras, and digital tools, artists can now create images that defy the limitations of paint and canvas. Yet, as Hockney wisely notes, it is not the method of creation that holds value—it is the image itself, the power of the idea it conveys. For instance, digital photography, once a humble tool of the everyday man, has risen to become a form of art in its own right. Artists like Cindy Sherman use cameras and digital manipulation to create masterpieces that challenge the viewer’s perception of identity and reality. Here, the camera becomes not a tool of replication but a brush of revelation—showing us truths we may not wish to confront.

Hockney’s perspective urges us to look beyond the physical tools of creation and embrace the creative spirit that resides in us all. He teaches us that whether one paints with brushes, paints, or pixels, the true essence of art lies in the vision it embodies. Let us recall, too, the story of Leonardo da Vinci, who, like Hockney, was not confined by the tools of his time. Though he wielded the brush as a master, his creative genius also spanned engineering, anatomy, and science. His fascination with flight, for example, led him to design machines that centuries later would bring humanity closer to the skies. Leonardo’s works, though painted with oils, were as much a reflection of his unbounded curiosity as they were of his artistic ability.

Hockney’s words, then, do not merely describe a preference for diverse tools but a philosophy that champions innovation, expression, and open-mindedness. To create is to be human, and the image is the universal language through which we communicate our truths to the world. The tools—be they brushes, cameras, or computers—are simply vessels that carry the vision. Whether the art takes form as a painting on canvas or a digital composition viewed on a screen, it speaks to the same yearning, the same desire to capture the fleeting nature of life, to preserve a moment, to bring forth beauty from the formless.

Thus, O Seekers of Wisdom, let us embrace the boundless possibilities of creation that await us. If Hockney has shown us anything, it is that there are no limits to the methods we can employ, no boundaries to the ways we can express ourselves. Seek not to be confined by what has come before, but to boldly explore what could be. The artist does not simply copy the world; he reinterprets it, reimagines it, and through his creation, offers it anew to those who seek it.

The lesson for us, therefore, is clear. In our own lives, we must not shy away from new technologies or unconventional tools. Innovate, as Hockney does, and let the medium be an extension of your unique vision. Do not be afraid to use the tools at your disposal, whether they be paintbrushes, computers, or even something else entirely. Create with courage, with clarity, and with heart, for it is not the tool that defines the work—it is the creator’s soul within it. And thus, we, too, shall leave our mark upon the world, as timeless and varied as the artists who came before us.