I want to play in the studio!
I want to play in the studio the next twelve months to boost creativity. Because children seem to be the experts in play, I’ve taken notice of what they do.
When they play, everyone abides by the rules often haggled over but agree upon, thus maximising enjoyment for all.
Left to their own devices, they toss out rules that hamper a splendid time. Sure enough, fights do erupt. But, isn’t that part of the fun?
Breaking the rules
Breaking the rules in the studio for one example can mean playing with the elements and the principles, or, the rules of art. Thereby, I like to bend or break them to see where it all leads. Some rules I ruthlessly toss aside.
The principles, including balance, contrast, movement, pattern, rhythm, unity, emphasis and proportion can be manipulated to see where the work ends up.
Playing with rules in my current work
The support was soaked, wadded, and stained with Inktense. Thereby I created texture. Thereafter, I layered colour, shapes, form and lines. Value, and space were the remaining basic elements of art I could employ to influence the work. I wonder where this work ends up.
The biggest detractor of studio play
My inner critic is the detractor I battle most in my pursuit of abstraction.
How do I battle do battle it? It’s very simple but not easy. I allow mistakes. Hence, I don’t beat myself up over them. Furthermore, I embrace “failures” as part of the path on which I must trod on the way to where I’m going.
Most importantly, I show up as planned in the studio to apply graphite, Inktense, and ink to paper; even when my inner critic hollers, “people will think this is really dumb”. And, I show up on YouTube.
Avoiding insanity
Insanity is continuing to do the same thing (over and over) and expecting different results. It’s attributed to Einstein, Ben Franklin and other influential historical persons. Albeit, no one knows for sure. Nonetheless, I believe the idea to be relevant in my arts practice.
I’ve created many narrative realistic drawings and paintings I’m pleased with. Additionally, I’ve exhibited them widely, and like the collections of work I’ve made.
However, I no longer desire to make them. Therefore, I’m not willing to invest the considerable thought and preparation to do them. Perhaps, in another season.
I look forward to creating, relaxing, and enjoying the process of learning to make abstract art, not knowing not where it all will lead. Perhaps, that’s the allure. My sole aim is enjoy the journey and give myself a break from high expectations.
Can anyone relate?
Silence the Inner Critic
Allow Mistakes
embrace failures
Show up
Principles of Art
Balance
Contrast
Movement
pattern
Rythym
unity
emphasis
proportion
These are terms often used to talk about artwork.
Elements of Art
colour
Line
shape
form
texture
value
Space
These are considerations an artist manipulates to affect the principles of art in a particular manner.
