Recently I found my search to discover my own voice has left me anything but speechless. As a matter of fact, I sometimes have the distinct impression that I suffer from "painterly diarhea" and the end result is not too impressive.
In an attempt to find my personal style I bought yet another book, Creative Paint Workshop for Mixed Media Artist by Ann Baldwin, and I must say it is pretty good. I decided to try the exercises one at a time. Hopefully by the end of the book, I will have some sense of who I am when it comes to painting. I had originally ordered the book for one purpose only and that was to get a brief introduction to encaustic painting. Since then I have come to believe that the last thing I need is another way to express myself...Of course, that's not to say that I won't!
And Time Passed
12"x16"
Acrylic & Mixed Media
During this same period I also painted the following pieces which I believe offer a view into how confused I really am about what I want to achieve. These paintings remind me that when I was doing my Bachelor of Visual Arts, my professors use to tell me that sometimes I was brilliant and other times anything but brilliant! I think I can agree with them now. See below for proof:
Drawing Wild Cats
Acrylic Scraffiti
Descent of the Raven
8"x10" Acrylic
Shadow Play I
12 x 12 Acrylic
Do the Math
Acrylic
Confused? Join my club!
What is the point of my rant? I have decided to take time off from producing this year in an attempt to declutter my brain and hopefully come out at the other end with a clearer understanding of who I want to be as an artist and what exactly it is I want to say as well as which medium would allow me to best express myself. In fact, I am considering myself on a sabbatical, a time in which to deepen my understanding. This will involve a lot of research, a lot of experimentation and a lot of quiet reflection.
I hope to post on my blog at least once a month in an attempt to track my progress. I know my research will probably bring me to many of my favourite blogs and will introduce me to new voices as well. My blog will be the perfect place to take note of the experiences and the knowledge I gather on my forays. Join me on my journey to clarity...Just remember, it may take my lifetime!
6 comments:
I love your "rantings" !! They not only make sense to me but give me inspiration as well. So many times, we think that "doing" all the time is productive but completely miss out on all the growth and knowledge that comes out of contemplation. Thanks for this thoughtful and thought-provoking post.
I'm laughing because I bought the same book so that i could learn about encaustics and then decided I didn't need to branch out as i had enough on my plate.
Something that helped me to find my way was to start a file of examples of art and artefacts that really spoke to me. I didn't worry about there being too many different mediums or styles. Eventually i could see an obvious thread. Though there are many other avenues I would like to try I'm staying with my carvings for the time being. There are some lovely pieces here and all different as you say. Maybe you need to chat to a coach like Leslie Miller. She really helps you to focus without creating angst. I'm so glad you will be checking in every month.
Your work is fabulous!
This book is excellent but she has great DVD's form her workshop (most already in book) and found them much better as she is explaining more in detail all techniques. If you're interested I can send you link. Thanks for leaving comment on my blog, much appriciated.
Dear Curio-I left a message here a few days ago but I don't think it came through-lets try again:) I tried out the destiny numbers and they were SO true it was kind of spooky! I mean-VERY true! I calculated both my names as well as DOB. Have you heard of the Akashik records? It is an ancient Hindu type of tarot that is VERY personalised. Dr. Chopra talks about it in one of his books-I think it even tells you the exact time of your death! I am going to try to find out more about it:)
Thank you for becoming the follower of my blog. I jsut had a look at some of your work on your blog and liked what I saw very much. Your photographs are sensational (I visited british Columbia few years ago and the sunsets there are breath taking).
Your paintings inspiered by Anne Baldwin are excellent and I have the same book. She has relesed 2 video tutorials from her workshops (not so well known) and they are even better as there are so many explanations about the mediums, colours and some tricks that she is using in her work. If you are interested please e-mail me and I would send you link where to buy them.
Keep painting and taking photographs, you are good at them.
Svetlana xx
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