ENGLISH SPEECH | BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH: Just Do It! (English Subtitles)

Summary

In this heartfelt letter to Eva, the writer encourages her to embrace her creative process without fear or self-doubt. They praise her work as 'real nonsense' and urge her to continue exploring her unique style, even if it means producing 'bad' work to break free from constraints. The writer empathizes with Eva's struggles, suggesting that her agony might be a driving force for improvement, and emphasizes the importance of confidence in one's abilities. They also share updates on their own work and an upcoming exhibition, expressing a desire to see Eva's progress.

Takeaways

• 💪 Embrace the right to assert yourself and say 'F*ck, You' to the world when needed.
• 🤔 Stop overthinking and worrying; it's okay to let go and just 'DO'.
• 🎨 Your artwork is valued for its 'real nonsense' and uniqueness; continue to explore that.
• 🚫 Don't conform to expectations; create your own 'uncool' and make your own world.
• 😱 Use your fear and anxiety as fuel for your art; let it drive your creativity.
• 🧠 Practice being unthinking and empty to free yourself from constraints and enhance your ability to 'DO'.
• 🔧 Try doing 'BAD' work intentionally to see what happens and to break free from self-imposed limitations.
• 🌐 You are not responsible for the world; focus on your work and let everything else go.
• 🤷‍♂️ Your work doesn't need to conform to any preconceived ideas; it can be anything you want it to be.
• 🔄 Understand that periodic reappraisal and self-doubt might be a necessary part of your creative process.

Q & A

What is the main message that the writer, Sol, is trying to convey to Eva?

Sol is encouraging Eva to embrace her creativity without fear or self-doubt, to stop overthinking, and to simply create without worrying about external judgments or expectations.

How does Sol describe Eva's current state of mind?

Sol perceives Eva as being troubled and tormented, constantly doubting and worrying, which is causing her to struggle with her work and life.

What does Sol suggest Eva do to overcome her current state?

Sol advises Eva to practice being 'stupid, dumb, unthinking, empty' to free herself from overthinking and to focus on doing rather than worrying.

What does Sol mean by 'Learn to say “F*ck, You” to the world once in a while'?

This phrase is a metaphor for telling Eva to assert her independence and not to be swayed by the opinions of others, to stand up for herself and her work.

What kind of work does Sol think Eva is doing?

Sol believes Eva's work is 'very good', describing it as 'clean, clear but crazy like machines, larger and bolder', and encourages her to continue in this vein.

How does Sol view the concept of 'purpose' and 'way of life' in relation to Eva's work?

Sol suggests that Eva should not worry about having a consistent approach or a preconceived purpose in her work, but rather let it evolve naturally.

What does Sol mean by 'practice being stupid'?

By 'practice being stupid', Sol is urging Eva to let go of over-analysis and self-criticism, allowing for more freedom and spontaneity in her creative process.

How does Sol feel about Eva's potential?

Sol has a lot of confidence in Eva's abilities and believes that she is capable of doing great work despite her current struggles.

What does Sol suggest as a method to possibly improve Eva's work?

Sol suggests that Eva should try doing 'BAD work', the worst she can think of, to see what happens and possibly find a new perspective or inspiration.

What is the significance of the phrase 'relax and let everything go to hell' in the context of the letter?

This phrase is an encouragement for Eva to let go of her worries and responsibilities, to not be overly concerned with outcomes, and to focus on the process of creation.

What does Sol mean by 'you are only responsible for your work'?

Sol is emphasizing that Eva should focus on her own creative output and not be burdened by the expectations or judgments of the world, but rather on her own personal artistic journey.

How does Sol describe his own creative process?

Sol describes his own creative process as one of 'Agonizing Reappraisal', where he constantly reassesses and changes his work, striving for improvement and growth.

What is the significance of the upcoming show mentioned by Sol?

The upcoming show at the Daniels Gallery is significant as it represents a milestone in Sol's artistic journey and a chance for him to share his improved work with others.

How does Sol perceive the role of 'agony' in the creative process?

Sol suggests that the agony or pain Eva feels might be a necessary part of her creative process, pushing her to do better and to constantly strive for improvement.

What advice does Sol give regarding Eva's thoughts and ego?

Sol advises Eva to leave the 'world' and 'ART' alone and to stop preoccupying herself with her ego, focusing instead on the act of creation itself.