Artist's Notebook


The Process of Working
November 11, 2007

Over the past year I have been doing a lot of reading and learning and trying to understand how the creative brain works. There are lots of theories but I thought I would include a few of the points that I have found motivational and useful to my own work. The advice is only revolutionary if you put it into use.

  1.  Set attainable goals. My goals are small and more immediate than long term, although I do have some long term goals. I aim to submit my work to one show per month, and to complete one new painting a month. That is where my goals stop. I consider myself successful when I have mailed my submission. Everything after that is something I consider a bonus. These small simple goals help me short circuit my fears. My fears immobilize me so if I set a goal that I know I can acheive I empower myself.
  2. God is interested in the details of your life and your art. As the Great Creator, He knows a thing or two about creativity and art. If you ask the Great Creator to work with and through you, he will. It is His joy to fire the creativity He has given you.
  3. Julia Cameron
  4. Be willing to make "bad art". Here again is another small step. Julia Cameron, in her book The Artist's Way, wrote something I found increadibly freeing. She basically said that it is not the artist's job to make capital 'A' art. It is the artist's job to show up and be willing to do the work. Ms. Cameron also suggested that artists should make a "deal" with the Great Creator something like this, "God, I will supply the quantity of work, You supply the quality." Its fantastic to know that not everything I do needs to be perfect Art. Art can and should have elements of play, and it requires a certain amount of experimentation in order to stay fresh.

I will continue to post things I have found interesting or helpful every week. I also hope to post some technique tips for acrylic and mixed media work. The goal is to make this blog not only a personal diary but useful as well. 

 


There are 0 Comments for The Process of Working

Add A Comment

Name:
Email:
URL:
Message:
Powered by MosaicGlobe.