Studio Notes: Focusing on the practice of art
Play, play, play
After years of doubting myself and being so focused on results, I am finally being able to create in the same way I did when I was a child. This can sound a bit weird, but I am sure fellow artists who had to stop making art for a long period of time due to doubts and criticism will certainly understand what I mean.
I am not talking about the result looking like something made by a child (although it probably does and that’s beautiful), I am talking about the ease and joy I feel when making art - be it an abstract collage heart, a weird portrait, a sketchbook made of scraps or a wonky still life.
The main change in me is that I am focusing on the practice itself, enjoying the process and liking the outcomes, I am not ashamed of a piece not looking “perfect”. I am enjoying making art without necessarily spending too much time on thinking, but getting straight into it and learning by doing without the fear of making something ugly.
I make art for the sake of making art, not because I want a finished piece, and even though I do enjoy having collections of finished work, I think it’s a lovely bonus on top of the pure joy and excitement creativity brings me.
It has been a long journey and it was a bumpy one with a lot of self doubt, painful criticism, and dry spells (coming out of one at this precise time). That is the nature of being an artist, there will always be ups and downs, but you have to persevere in order to see progress - whatever that means for you personally.
For me progress this year looks like actively seeking the feeling of ease and joy when I am making art. I chose “depth” as my word of the year and I think its true meaning is finally unfolding in my practice.
I recently watched a video by Louise Fletcher where she said that she doesn’t want to be pigeonholed - labeled as an abstract or figurative or whatever else artist. I really felt those words, because I don’t want to choose a niche, I want it all. My practice changes dramatically throughout the year as I am influenced a lot by the seasons, and, yes, I do understand the tradeoffs, but this is who I am and has always been. My childhood art is a crazy mixture of abstract, mixed media, collage, sculpture, still life, landscapes and figurative work. That’s just what I naturally do - circle through the things I am attracted to, inspired by and am in love with.
For a long time I was chasing a specific idea of “being an artist”, but I realised that I don’t want to fit into a specific category, “make it” or “break into” the industry (whatever that is) anymore. I just want to make the art I want and not the art someone thinks is worth making.
You might like:
Thank you for reading and being a part of this space. If you enjoyed this post, feel free to give it a like, leave a comment, or share it with someone who might appreciate it.
I always love hearing from you in the comments - how’s your summer going so far?
If you haven’t yet, consider subscribing to stay connected. Everyone is welcome here!
Until next time!
Lisa
Oh this is so relatable. I hate the idea of niche-ing. And my favourite great artists explored all sorts of styles and media. Because they found joy in the exploration and that shines through. From Picasso, to Hockney, to Emin.
Yes 🙌 I felt the extreme need to have a particular style, only create within the realms of certain subject matter and really zero room to experiment. I have also returned to that childlike feeling, allowing my imagination to create…. Rather than scenes and landscapes it’s funny like characters and stories… it’s so interesting to watch what happens when we actually allow ourselves to relax and be ourselves!!