Act of Creating art is a strange allegory of life
The very act of creating art is a strange allegory of life. At least, that’s the way I see it, as I contemplate the considerable amount of time, effort and materials spent making Red Playground 8 and 9.
Fresh Beginning
Accordingly, the paper I use to create upon represents my life.
Fresh from the package, it emerges clean and smooth. However, early decisions made by those in charge, alongside my own youthful choices, mark the surface, yet, not too badly.
A bright, lovely future seem inevitable. Surely, this one is destined to be masterpiece, won’t it! Â Ever hopeful, the artist plods on.
Testing and proofing
Just as the paper is treated in accordance with its end purpose, likewise, my own life choices, direction and ideas had to be challenged, tested and proofed.
Likewise, wetting, folding and staining the paper is analogous to the consequences of my big life decisions; university, career, marriage, babies, shifting to multiple cities, getting divorced, dealing with a house fire(not by choice, but decisions were consequential), re-marriage and then moving to a foreign country to blend two families.
Indeed, at times I’ve certainly felt soaked, folded, and stained.Â
Surface Beauty
Nonetheless, a beautiful patina has developed on the paper. Â However, I envision the works as possessing even greater drama. Therefore, more soaking is required. Furthermore, in order to add a even more movement, strong Inktense is layered into the folds of the paper.
Afterward, I flatten the support with a steam iron.
Consequently, the beauty of the surface is marvellous to the extent that, indeed, I hesitate to add marks to finish the pieces. Â Even so, my vision for the works surpasses the beauty of the patinated surface. Hence, it is up to me bring that vision to fruition.
A Patinated life
My imperfect life has a developed a rich patina, serving as evidence of prevailing through difficulties. Â I’m a stronger, better person because of this. Â Likewise, pushing my creativity well beyond that with which I am comfortable has given me results that would have seemed impossible a few years ago. Therefore, I choose to truly embrace difficult problems in the studio and do my best to emerge triumphant.
This is my example of how art parodies life. Â In spite of all the first world challenges I’ve faced in life and in the studio, I will have wasted all the struggle and effort if I fail to get up every day and move forward in the studio and in life.Â
More reading on the relationship between art and life
I recommend a interesting read, titled, “Art and life as imitation: can we ever separate art and artist?”, by Bethan Draycott
Draycott states, “Over thousands of years and many cultural movements, the debate over whether art truly imitates life (or vice versa) has become virtually exhausted. From classical philosophy to contemporary studies, what exactly happens in the space between artist and viewer has remained ambiguous. This is often summarised as the concept of mimesis. Â Click here to read her post.
