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| Leland Stanford's train |
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| Art Deco style radio |
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| model train display |
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| model train display |
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| model train display |
I had the most wonderful day yesterday so I want to share. We are so lucky. Our area here in California is rich with history. It's close by too and so yesterday I hopped in my car and drove to Old Town Sacramento. The train museum is an historical state park located right downtown. The setting is a crazy mix of old and new, freeways and cobblestone streets, rail lines and lots of traffic. The museum itself is beautifully done with clean and well lit displays, informational signs that are mostly easily read by older eyes, and several floors of exhibits. While I enjoyed the trains and all of the paraphernalia, I was mildly creeped out by the mannequins. It has got to be one big scary thing when the lights go out!
While I enjoyed learning about the history of railroads in California, I also enjoyed something else. There was such a great mix of colors. Everything that I looked at was a wonderful combination of neutrals (browns, blacks, grays) and bright hues of cobalt, navy, deep blue greens and wonderful sunny yellows and oranges. In the 30's and 40's some subtle color came into play too with minty greens, softer blues and accents of gold and silver. I learned that as train travel gained momentum, companies coordinated their cars' interiors with their advertising. It was a complete marketing package.
So, here is the art portion of this post. I have a tip. It's probably obvious and maybe you already do it. Pay attention to trends in your observations or activities. Or whatever it is that you do. I have read so much that many people at my same level of experience struggle with developing their own style of art. I don't have an artistic background and so it has been difficult for me to even begin to develop my own "voice"; my own tastes. I have gotten some clarity though by noticing what I really like and then analyzing those things. For example, I have visited three historical places in the last several months. Each time I have been drawn to the colors: a mix of neutrals with clean, bright color thrown in for contrast. Lots of simple shapes of circles, squares and rectangles. It tells me something I think. (I would add too that by figuring out what you like and by letting go of what someone else likes or expects, you can gain some direction in your work also. It's incredibly hard to hear yourself think sometimes, for whatever reason.)
OK, I have a piece in progress and it is nearly done. I hope to show some pictures in a day or two. And I know that there are lots of ways to develop your own style or voice. If you have an idea let me know!
Libby
Wonderful photos and intriguing information about the museum, Libby. I would have loved to tag along with you. I have an embedded love for trains and train things. As a little girl my bedroom was upstairs and it had a window facing the railroad yards about one mile away. I always fell asleep to the whistle of the 9:10 p.m. Northern Pacific train coming through town. It became ingrained, and when I hear a train whistle nowadays I get a momentary flashback of that experience. Sorry...I did go on there!!
ReplyDeleteConcerning "style." I don't think style is something a person always develops right away, especially those of us who are relatively new to art-making. In fact, I think artists worry a little too much at times about developing a style. Maybe we feel a style will help identify us as artists. I just think it's hard to identify with a particular mode or form while we're still inputting information and images on a daily basis. I've known artists who have changed their style over time as they have tried new materials or methods or because they've derived a new outlook. I really think a "style" will emerge as the hours are put in painting and new experiences are cultivated. I do think you are right on when you say find what you like and study it. Also, I agree that one has to be able to "let go of" others' expectations as far as what or how we paint. That is not always easy. I think one has to be brave sometimes.
Carol,
DeleteI thought that was a wonderful memory about the train whistle. Thank you for telling me about that. And I bet you really would have loved this museum. I don't have a history with trains but I seem to be drawn to them for some reason. Early 20th century history is of interest to me and I seem to place train travel in that particular slot.
And your comments about style really help. I fall into the camp of styles changing over time as new materials and practices are discovered. It is difficult to pin something down as you yourself are changing. There is a little pressure too to have a kind of identity. Writing an artist statement for example is a case of having to identify yourself with one thing or another. What if you aren't ready? I really like the idea of more and more experience feeding into your tastes, your way of looking at things and of making art. I suspect that is one of the biggest things that is lacking early on.
Thank you again for your comments. I really think the topic is worth thinking about and so I will add your input to this little envelope in my head where I keep this topic:)
Libby
I really like your ideas about studying what you like and trying not to be swayed by other people's opinions. I tried to find a style too, and I'm a quilter, not an artist, so maybe that is why it is different, but I decided that I didn't have to find a style. I make quilts that I am drawn too, and it doesn't matter if they are modern, traditional, improv, art, etc. I no longer feel the need to fit myself in a neat box so people can understand me. I am complex.
ReplyDeleteRecently, I found a paint booklet at the paint store that is called Global Spice, and a book title I like called Cultural Fusion. Both of those things call to me and tell me that I like to combine stuff from different sources. So I guess that becomes my style. Instead of doing things that fits my style, I do things and the name of my style shows up to describe what I do.
Shasta,
DeleteHow nice to hear from you! I hope you are doing well.
You are right. People in general are complex. Quilting is an interesting subject on its own. There are so many routes that you could choose. You seem to have settled in to accepting an eclectic variety of styles. I am all for people finding what they are drawn to most and then pursuing those ideas. And if it is several styles or approaches, I think that is all part of the creative process.
Your comment too about gathering up your ideas to create your own style (sort of after the fact) is a good observation also. There seems to be some pressure for artists to identify influences or to develop a look or to even establish a history of having been creative or artistic. We end up pigeon holing ourselves to some extent, maybe too early in the process. It's good that you know how you arrive at your ideas and have settled into that comfortably.
Thanks as always for the visit and comments. I appreciate your input-it really helps me out:)
Libby
Libby this looks like a great museum. Like Carol I have wonderful memories of falling to sleep at the sound of the whistle. I still love to hear that sound.
ReplyDeleteAs for style Libby very interesting to read your thoughts as well as Carol and Shasta' s. Coming late to art and not having formal training I am not sure I have developed a style. Liked Carol's thought that with painting our styles change with new materials and experiences. Think this is where I am on my art journey. Thanks Libby for sharing your photos and thoughts. Hugs!
Debbie,
DeleteIt's wonderful that you have train memories also! I bet there are lots of people with memories like that. I don't know though if that is specific to region or age group or a combination of both. I grew up in the suburbs in the '70's so my train memories have to do with B.A.R.T. (Bay Area Rapid Transit, and elevated train system in No. Cal). I really envy people like you-it sounds sort of romantic/Americana in a way.
I sure agree with you. Each of us is on their own trajectory of learning and adding in experiences, materials, and who know what all else, contributes to the "styles" we develop. It's worth considering I think.
Thank you as always for your input. It's valuable to me:)
Libby