In order to be original, stop listening to people about what you should do and quit your research. You know plenty, find your instinct, show some heart. In order to find your conviction, try doing everything for the "right reasons" for a little while, despite the consequences, and your stance will become glaringly obvious.

Everything else is just mechanics. You'll need help with that.

I think originality gets to be a sticky, tricky thing... Just because it is new or even original to 'me' doesn't make it so to anyone else. And lately when I compare the world of food and chefs and cooking, or even the music and songwriting and performing, is it really important to me at all that its original? I want it to be authentic, passionate, beautiful and in some way the best it could get with what it was dealt.

Does that make any sense? Am I missing your point?

Hola,

I can't speak to whether it should be important to you or not that something be original. I will speak from the assumption that since you used the word in your comment that you agree originality exists.

To avoid being circular I'll just say what I know the word "originality" to mean. "The capacity to act or think independently," I like that definition. I also like "the power or ability to invent" (http://www.answers.com/originality&r=67).

I love authentic mexican food. I love the passion that my friend pours into each meal she makes for us. In the end it is a truly beautiful experience. And we all love her and her food very much. That is very important to me. Her knowledge, commitment and love pours freely.

Yet, this amazing feat that guarantees smiles and happy souls is not invention in and of itself. She masterfully crafts her meals to conform to tried and true facts about quality and process in order to make it unquestionably worthy of being called "authentic mexican" food. Her love for us and passion for eating fuel her expended efforts to make it of the highest quality, just like her mom's. My belief that this is not innovation does not negate the value of the task. It is very worthwhile, important and effective. Happy bellies all around. (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&client=safari&rls=en&defl=en&q=define:authentic&sa=X&oi=glossary_definition&ct=title)

Now, there are these Central and South American food guys whose countries experienced a large Japanese immigrant influx during the early 20th century. Over the years simple miso soup was finding its way next to seviches at the table. So they had this tricky idea. Why not take all of this to the next level? Lets make Sashimi Seviche! How about a Beef Maki Roll? Woo! I've had it. Trust me, its amazing. They used their passions and knowledge in order to masterfully fuse cuisines and create something new. Though influenced by their lives and experiences they made something original. (http://www.sushisamba.com)

So, all I was saying was that risk taking, authenticity of self, passion for a task and the pursuit of beauty can be effective means for finding novelty or originality. Just as they can also be fuel to produce a plethora of beautiful and meaningful objects and experiences that are not original.

Maybe that helps.

-- DRC