Look back
Re~focus
Look forward
At the beginning of the year I sat down and made a list of things that I could do that would help me become a better artist. The number one thing that I came up with was to be able to dedicate more time to the art-making process and making that a priority. So I have started to dedicate one entire day (Monday) to that process it can take any form it just has to do with creating art. So today it took the form of writing and summiting an article about Paint brushes and what are some of the different types and what effects you can expect from them. Reshot some images of artwork for the website I created this blog entry and did some research for the painting that I am currently working on…and more than likely I will work on the painting tonight.
The part that I found very interesting was that yes, I had goals for the day. But it was not about finishing the projects but that I enjoyed them while I was working on them. I was enjoying the process or the journey. I knew that I was going to finish everything on my list so I was able to relax and enjoy the process. I was even able to study and practice my French for a bit today…and even took myself out for lunch.
One of the goals was to finish reading “Art & Fear~ Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking” by David Bayles & Ted Orland, it was an amazing book that really caused me to step out of my comfort zone and then look back over my shoulder to see what it looked like. I was surprised …when I stepped out of my comfort zone the circle surrounding me became larger and my understanding expanded, the object that was so feared dissolved.
One of my favorite quotes from the book is “The answers you get depend upon the questions you ask” Thomas Kuhn So it seems more important these day that I ask myself the correct questions and not be so concerned about the answers. Just need to allow them the room to inform me but not limit me.
So… I am already looking forward to next Monday to see what adventures await me in the studio.