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| Looking Up 2 16" x 16" painted papers collage on paper |
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| Looking Up 16" x 16" painted papers collage on paper |
Inspired by two recent hikes in an area known for redddish colored serpentine rock formations, I made the above piece this week. The colors, to me, represent some of what I saw: greenish blue bushes, rocks that were reddish to orange brown, and blue skies. The design is new for me and is something that I worked on as well this week. I had another piece that I was working on first but it was a total loss. I am glad that this piece turned out better, in my opinion. Can't win them all right?
I know that other, more experienced artists have written about this subject but I will share anyway what I learned this week about "creative block" or just plain muddy thinking. I make art every week and think about things a lot in the interim between pieces. Even still, it's possible to become disconnected. Suggestions for reconnecting are numerous and varied but are mostly external things that you can do. My experience has taught me (over and over and over again) that the struggle can really be internal. Yes, the right setting and the right tools and no distractions help but it really is knowing yourself that is most critical to getting unblocked.
As I worked on the piece that failed, I just couldn't figure out why I was making all of the wrong moves. After abandoning things and going to bed, I got up the next morning, sort of thinking about things, and began to write in my sketchbook. Just general writing: what I had seen on my hikes, what I was reading about, and what I thought abut my working process and motivation for making art. I started in with some sketching. After some thought, I hit upon the above idea. It dawned on me (aren't I smart?) that this was what was missing; this routine and practice of writing and reflection. It is actually what drives my creative side. And I had been neglecting it.
Everybody gets out of the hole in a different way. I get that. It's my feeling though that inner examination is a good way to get out of that hole. Buying new supplies or cleaning your work space or turning off the phone/Internet are all good starts. But, until you know how it is that you make your art, what your actual process is (and why), things still may be difficult.
OK, hope everyone had a good week. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Libby
clarity, my friend...it is shining here in this stunning piece, but also in your words. Kudos!
ReplyDeleteThanks Carol! A wonderfully strong compliment considering how "unclear" my thinking was this week:)
DeleteHope all is well with you.
Libby
Dear Libby - this is wonderful friend. I also love how you took time to work yourself out of the hole. I had never given much thought to writing to awaken inspiration. Think this might be a real turn around for me because I journal about many things but not art related thoughts. Thank you so much for sharing this Libby. Your deep thinking always inspires me. Have a wonderful weekend. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteHi Debbie,
DeleteWell, a new turnaround! I actually think that it is the writing about other things as well as art things that helps. Just the writing really I guess is what did the trick. and knowing your own process too.
Glad that you are inspired when you visit. That is a nice compliment, thank you.
Hope all is well. See you this weekend on the blog:)
Libby