I had my last of the 4 birthday critiques with local artist
Lisa. From the beginning we hit it off and as I've said before her critique style has been good thought provoking questions and interesting proposals. I had been complaining recently of great beginnings and the losses in the process of returning, reworking and finishing a piece. She understands my need to begin with a strong narrative and the frustrations about losing the 'light'. She challenged me to ONLY begin my work. One after another, yet another, each time one session in the studio...not going back, not clarifying or redeveloping intuitively or in a planned way.The photo reflects four pieces on paper that I've begun...some work more refined than others given how much studio time that one particular day. In some ways the pressure is off...In other ways there is desire to go back in and complete the story?! I'll attempt a few more and then give her a call...I'll need a 5th critique!
Wow - that's great. At least you have the desire to return to your work to complete it or re-work it. I think that's commendable and imagine you will get great results from this begining (only) process. I'm the gal who starts a lot of things. Ha!
ReplyDeleteInteresting excercise: to stop at the beginning. Going back you can give yourself permission to begin again where you left off! That way your process is always fresh and in the moment!
ReplyDeleteThis is an intriguing challenge. I have a compulsion to rework (and rework) pieces. I admire the notion of beginning and then beginning again --I look forward to hearing how this unfolds for you:)
ReplyDeleteInteresting to find out what arises for you when working in a different way. I begin many things and then have them sitting around for long periods of time. On the other hand I can also overwork pieces until they no longer have any zest. thanks for sharing your beginnings, which I like very much. they feel free and painterly.
ReplyDeleteThat's interesting advice. Did she say if you should ever finish them? Is the idea to let them rest awhile, then come back later? That one on top looks great, btw!
ReplyDeletewell these are wonderful pieces, so soft and they have a very spring like feel to them, they make me happy. so nice to have someone you trust critique your work...
ReplyDeleteThis is very good. I worked with an instructor, who said it should be beautiful at each point, of stopping and starting. I think sometimes we get into habits, and forget to "see" what is really going on. I think not to finish it to completely is good. "Leave a place for the viewer to finish." We only need to "finish" just a little to show the viewer we can, then we invite him in.
ReplyDeleteI know all about the excitement of "starting",but the follow through is the difficult part. Sometimes, I just push through and get to what I want but...there are time I push through and it is a flop! It sounds like your mentor has something there! I'll be interested in how you handle it. You will "follow through" and tell us, wont you?
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting concept. I've started pieces and lost interest, and sometimes I go back and finish, but I'm more prone to rework one that I have finish. Strange how our creative minds work.
ReplyDeleteKaren L, Always feels good to begin!
ReplyDeleteMarie, I like the fresh idea part...I wonder?
Hannah, I like challenges, switch things up a little...always good!
Suki, I think she was challenging me to see and appreciate my beginnings...not sure yet.
Sharmon, I know my plans are to return to these beginnings at some point.
LDV, Spring is a perfect inspiration to begin new work!
Annell, Good insights into this beginning process, thank you.
Pat, I promise, I will follow through with an update.
Eva, This is a true stretch for me.
remember, YOU don't ever ever "loose" the Light--you.
ReplyDeleteIt reminds me, the exercize, of the idea that a beginner and a master can both throw a "great" pot in ceramics lingo.
I think that would be a bit scary to keep on starting new pieces. I've done that before and find that I get overwhelmed by having too many things crying out to be completed. However, once I finally did get back to each one, they unfolded beautifully in ways that I could not have planned or foreseen. Maybe the originating flame burns quietly in the subconscious, waiting to catch fire while our back is turned.
ReplyDeletemansuetude, A kind reminder concerning 'light'...thank you
ReplyDeletelouciao, I like the part about the flame burning quietly, waiting to catch fire!! good words
thank you for your comments, always. so nice to post something FINALLY and feel surprised that folks like you are still out there. coming here to catch up on your work and philosophy is refreshing! i learn so much about the ART SPIRIT checking in on you and the 4 or 5 other artists from time to time. the journey>>>~~~goes on!
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