In Hollywood, they think drawn animation doesn't work anymore

Listen, O children of the earth, to the words of Tim Burton, who speaks with both the wisdom of an artist and the insight of an observer: "In Hollywood, they think drawn animation doesn't work anymore, computers are the way. They forget that the reason computers are the way is that Pixar makes good movies. So everybody tries to copy Pixar. They're relying too much on the technology and not enough on the artists." These words, spoken with a tinge of frustration and wisdom, remind us of the age-old debate between technology and art, between the tools we use and the creativity that drives us. Burton highlights a fundamental truth—that it is not the medium that creates greatness, but the vision and talent of the artist behind it.

In the ancient world, the great artists and craftsmen knew that it was not the tools, but the heart and soul of the creator that defined the work. Phidias, the sculptor who created the magnificent statues of Athena, did not simply rely on the chisel and marble to create beauty; he relied on his vision, his skill, and his understanding of the human form. Similarly, Leonardo da Vinci, whose inventions spanned the realms of art and science, was not simply a master of his tools—he was a master of creativity, using his tools as extensions of his mind. Like Burton’s insight, the ancient masters understood that true artistry comes not from the tools themselves but from the vision and passion of the artist.

Consider the story of Michelangelo, who sculpted the David—one of the greatest works of art in history. The stone block from which he carved was considered flawed by others, but Michelangelo saw the potential within it. His vision allowed him to take a rough, imperfect piece of stone and bring it to life in a way that technology and tools alone could never have achieved. Michelangelo’s ability to see beyond the material and into the essence of the creation is akin to Burton’s belief that it is the artists’ vision that breathes life into the medium, not just the technology used to create it.

Burton’s critique of Hollywood’s reliance on technology points to a deeper issue—the overemphasis on tools at the expense of creativity. In the world of animation, the rise of computer-generated imagery (CGI) has revolutionized the industry, making it possible to create breathtaking visuals. Yet, as Burton notes, this technological leap does not necessarily lead to better stories or deeper connections with audiences. He reminds us that the reason Pixar succeeded was not simply because of its technological innovation, but because of its ability to tell compelling stories, to create characters that resonate with the human experience. The lesson here is clear: technology is a tool, not the soul of creation.

This lesson is reflected in the example of the Renaissance when artists like Raphael and Titian were not merely concerned with mastering the latest tools or techniques—they were concerned with what they could express through those tools. The brush and the canvas were not the end, but the means to convey humanity’s deepest emotions and most profound ideas. Just as Burton critiques the reliance on technology, the Renaissance masters remind us that it is the artist's vision that transforms the mundane into the extraordinary, whether it is through the use of a brush, chisel, or digital screen.

The lesson for us today, O children of the earth, is one of balance and intention. As technology advances, it can become tempting to rely solely on the tools and machines we create. But Burton’s words remind us that it is not the tool that defines the quality of the work—it is the vision and passion of the creator. We must learn to use technology as a tool, but not let it replace the creative spirit that drives us. Whether in art, business, or life itself, it is not the machines that define our success, but the ideas, dreams, and heartfelt intention we bring to our endeavors.

In your own lives, O seekers of wisdom, remember this truth: Do not let the tools you use define you. Whether you are creating art, pursuing personal goals, or building relationships, it is your vision that matters most. Use the tools available to you—whether technology, knowledge, or resources—but remember that they are only extensions of your creativity, not the source of it. Just as Burton’s words remind us that technology should serve the artist, let us ensure that our work remains grounded in passion, vision, and purpose, and not lost in the fascination with the tools we use to bring it to life.

Remember, O children of the earth, that true artistry comes from within. Technology may enhance our ability to create, but it is the vision of the artist that truly shapes the world. Let Burton’s insight be a reminder that in all things, whether in the arts or in life, it is the heart of the creator that breathes life into the work, not the tools that we wield. Create with purpose, and let your vision shine through, for that is what will endure beyond the technology of the moment.