Find Your Tribe 18" x 18" Acrylic on canvas |
Such was the case when I was told something in an offhand sort of way by an friend. It would have been very easy to get defensive (I normally do), to take the statement as a pointed direction for me personally, which it wasn't really. The suggestion to "find one's own tribe" was generalized and maybe made offhand yet I took it seriously. It had the ring of truth to it and was maybe what I needed to hear at that moment. Listen, listen, listen! And then maybe act.
The above piece wasn't exactly inspired by the casual directive that I was given but certainly my intent in returning to this hard line geometric work is a part of "finding my own tribe." The (fairly) clean lines, the colors, and the proportion of shapes all feel comfortable to me. Tribe-ish.
I hope everyone is having a good start to their week. I have another piece in process, just started today. There are a couple of hikes planned for this week and I have lunch with my dear aunt(s) and cousin. It's a busy but hopefully fun week ahead. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Libby
Find your own tribe, the words, suggest (to me, anyway) that there IS a tribe. But as an artist, I think we are always individuals. I believe in your explorations and your results. I believe they are the result of your individuality. We "met" through the blog posts of Nicholas Wilton. One of his that he just repeated, was the admonition to always ask yourself "what inspires you?" I believe, through your blog posts, you have lived that question, Libby.
ReplyDeleteCarol,
DeleteThanks so much for your input. Debbie also had a question about that expression and I really think (as I mentioned in my reply to her) that it is just a saying that suggests that it is good to find people that you have things in common with, who think similarly to you or who maybe even have a similar art making approach. In the context of the conversation I had with my friend, we actually were discussing different types of art and art making ideas. After her comment, I realized that you really do need others in your circle who are similar to you. But, as you mentioned above, individuality is also critical. I believe that you need a balance of the two things.
Always nice to have your perspective. It's appreciated!
Libby
Dear Libby - I am not quite sure what is meant by your own tribe. If it means someone likes your work or if they do the same type of art - then perhaps I get it. Otherwise I am confused. In any case I really like your geometric work Libby - so maybe you have found your tribe :)! Hugs
ReplyDeleteDebbie,
DeleteIt wouldn't be the first time I confused someone! I think that for many creatives (and most people in general) it's good to find others that share similar viewpoints, make similar work or have a similar approach. It's hard to fit a square peg in to a round hole, if that makes sense. And in the opposite way, differing viewpoints or approaches help to broaden perspective don't they? when you are looking to join a group or even make friends, you want to find someone in your "own tribe" which is really just a euphemism in my opinion for finding someone that you have something in common with. Hope this helps a bit!
Always glad when you visit. I hope that things are going well!
Libby
As we know, in a tribe there is always the danger of too many chiefs and not enough Indians. Ha! Ha!
ReplyDeleteLove the geometrics. I was quilting today & your very straight line building paintings came to my mind. Do you still have those?