Studio Notes: I want to share with you an old essay
Offering some support and encouragement from me in the past
A big part of my creative process is observing how my art practice evolves, finding common themes and threads in my work and writing down some of my reflections. I revisit my writing from time to time to better understand my journey and learn what changes and what stays the same.
Recently I stumbled upon a short essay I wrote several years ago when I just came back to creating art after a very long pause and was really struggling. In this essay I recorded my feelings at the beginning of my art journey, how I couldn’t come up with my own ideas and had to copy works of others and how it worked out for me eventually:
“When I started making artwork again very little of it looked like actually my art. I have been taking courses, watching videos, listening to podcasts, reading books, but I mostly created artwork that resembled something done by others. I was trying to figure out how they did it, adding some variation here and there, but still the results were very similar in style to the originals and it was a big source of frustration for me. Sometimes I was trying to come up with ideas of my own, but frequently I got stuck or I simply wasn't happy with the results.
For a long time copying after someone seemed to be the only way for me to consistently make art. I just couldn’t find the creative flow. Copying someone else’s work helped me to get unstuck and overcome the frustration of making bad art.
When I was copying someone’s artwork I always tried to reflect on what I liked and what I didn’t like. I decided what I want to repeat again and what I want to change the next time. I tried new supplies and techniques. This way I learned a lot about myself as an artist.
My initial problem was that I had no solid idea about what I want to draw or paint. I would get stuck and then never start making any art. I just couldn’t come up with ideas that were worth developing further.
After some time spent copying after others, I started feeling more comfortable with the process. Little by little I started coming up with my own ideas.
I had my first major breakthrough when I was exploring collage and started making my own handmade art journals.
Suddenly I started making work that wasn’t copied from anyone. I filled a whole handmade sketchbook with a series of collage works inspired by my own ideas. This was a very special experience, because I really loved the result and felt that it is authentically mine. For the first time I didn’t feel frustrated, even though the work wasn't perfect.
It would have never happened if I didn’t learn from all those wonderful artists in the first place. Eventually it helped me to start creating my own art again.
Now I realise that making art is not about figuring everything out by myself, but it is about so much more - learning from others, being inspired by many things, trying various supplies and techniques, learning to listen to yourself and what brings you joy.
This approach eventually helped me to get unstuck and start creating art that is authentic to me.”
I decided to publish this essay to provide some encouragement and support to others who may be feeling stuck in their art practice, whether beginner or not.
The step toward creating more authentic and unique work isn’t easy, but you have to listen to yourself - what you love and what brings you joy? With time you will figure it out - the most important thing is to not give up. Everyone has a different path! Remember - compare yourself only to yourself in the past.
Thank you for reading and being here!
Feel free to share this post with a creative friend who may be in need for some encouragement! I’ll be happy to hear from you in the comments - what was your path like?
Further inspiration
Until next time!
Lisa
I loved reading this - so well put, and so true of the learning journey. It's funny how the sudden switch happens to making personal work after all the groundwork that comes before ☀️
I like the idea of making notes about your art journey. I've never done that but think it may be a good idea. I'm not sure if I have the inclination or motivation to write it all out rather than just reflect on it in my head... I'll continue to ponder that one 🤔