Writer's Block and the Relaxed Brain
It's been a while since I last posted anything, and frankly I've had a severe case of writer's block. Not so much in regards to this blog (I really enjoy posting on here even if I do wish there were more comments to further the conversation), the block has more to do with my doctoral thesis. As some of you know, I've been working on my dissertation and sometimes the ideas and words don't quite flow as smoothly as one would like them to. In fact, right now, the whole thing is at a complete standstill and a hot poker wouldn't get it to move. I suspect this happens to many people in many different situations - when it doesn't seem to be working right, when the pieces aren't coming together, and all those loose ends are just out there fluttering in the wind. So maybe this is a good time to work on an art project?...
One of the remarkable individuals I interviewed during my research said something very interesting to me. She said that when she works on a drawing (her preferred medium) she loses herself completely in the task at hand. When she focuses on whatever it is she wants to represent on her paper, all she thinks about is that line, that mark, that drawing. It's during this time that her worries, her concerns, and her ailments all disappear and by the end of that art making session, she feels recharged and relaxed.
So I decided I'd try that. Last month was Halloween and although I've never decorated for this holiday, this year, with the realization that there actually might actually be a trick-or-treater or two at the door, I decided to get into the spirit and give my brain a rest from worrying about writing. Now I know that for many of the people who work in the arts (educators, teachers, teaching artists, etc.), creating something based on a holiday theme makes them shudder in horror, and rightly so, considering some of the craft-kit projects I've seen in the past. But when you need a little push of encouragement, what better way is there to motivate one's self to create than by making something you would want to share with others? And if it happens to be a holiday wreath, a festive table runner, end of the year note cards, or even a painted pumpkin, so what? Do it! Just be sure the project will allows you to put your own special touch on it, whatever that may be.
With some extra sheets of white felt, I made miniature ghosts. I cut the rectangular pieces down to squares and rolled the excess into a ball. I placed the ball in the middle of the square and tied white yarn around the outside to secure it. I glued googly eyes (I mean, who doesn't have a bag of these lying around the house?) to the bulbous "head" of the ghost and added hats, scarves and smiles using extra pieces of different colored felt. After making one, I was hooked. I ended up making 17 before I ran out of white felt and placed them all in the tree outside. Even though they were only up for a day (I only thought to make them on Halloween eve), the result was just what I needed.
So I ask you, other than sleep, what helps to quiet your mind from the worries of the day? What do you do to feel rested and to relax your brain?...
One of the remarkable individuals I interviewed during my research said something very interesting to me. She said that when she works on a drawing (her preferred medium) she loses herself completely in the task at hand. When she focuses on whatever it is she wants to represent on her paper, all she thinks about is that line, that mark, that drawing. It's during this time that her worries, her concerns, and her ailments all disappear and by the end of that art making session, she feels recharged and relaxed.
So I decided I'd try that. Last month was Halloween and although I've never decorated for this holiday, this year, with the realization that there actually might actually be a trick-or-treater or two at the door, I decided to get into the spirit and give my brain a rest from worrying about writing. Now I know that for many of the people who work in the arts (educators, teachers, teaching artists, etc.), creating something based on a holiday theme makes them shudder in horror, and rightly so, considering some of the craft-kit projects I've seen in the past. But when you need a little push of encouragement, what better way is there to motivate one's self to create than by making something you would want to share with others? And if it happens to be a holiday wreath, a festive table runner, end of the year note cards, or even a painted pumpkin, so what? Do it! Just be sure the project will allows you to put your own special touch on it, whatever that may be.
With some extra sheets of white felt, I made miniature ghosts. I cut the rectangular pieces down to squares and rolled the excess into a ball. I placed the ball in the middle of the square and tied white yarn around the outside to secure it. I glued googly eyes (I mean, who doesn't have a bag of these lying around the house?) to the bulbous "head" of the ghost and added hats, scarves and smiles using extra pieces of different colored felt. After making one, I was hooked. I ended up making 17 before I ran out of white felt and placed them all in the tree outside. Even though they were only up for a day (I only thought to make them on Halloween eve), the result was just what I needed.
So I ask you, other than sleep, what helps to quiet your mind from the worries of the day? What do you do to feel rested and to relax your brain?...
Lines completed
Finally, my line drawing project is complete! It turned out to be surprise to me because it's certainly not any of the (many) drawings I started with, but sometimes it happens this way. Suddenly and without warning you find yourself creating something very pleasing and very beautiful and before you know it, you have your work of art.
This one is a pencil drawing of shapes, squiggles and doodles, something I must have started over a year ago. When I found it again in my sketchbook, I realized I liked what was going on and decided to continue with it. Then one day, as I was on a long catch up call with a friend, I began to ink in the shapes and it really started to come to life. Unfortunately, I don't have any photos of the pencil version, but above are some shots of it inked and outlined as well as the finished version with some shadowing using watercolor pencil.
Now this may not be pleasing to you, in fact you may not like it at all, but there is something very soothing (to me) about doodling on a sheet of paper. I guess I have always preferred whimsical drawings with organic, abstract shapes and lines that lead you from one nook and cranny to the next. It's not that I don't like figurative drawings, in fact I do, very much, it's just that when I look at an abstract drawing (or painting) I can make up my own story to go with it. Try it. Is there any part of my drawing above that reminds you of something...anything? What do you see happening in this drawing?
As a child, my favorite author and illustrator was Mercer Mayer (still is, actually). It wasn't so much the storyline of each Little Monster or Little Creature book that captured my attention, rather the illustrations that I found so fascinating. Each sheet was packed with visual excitement as main characters were surrounded by smaller creatures vying for their own space on the page. Even as "Professor Wormbog" went in search of a "Zipperump-A-Zoo" (1976), there were always monsters in boats or up trees making faces at one another (and for some reason always advertising "Eat at Joe's") that encouraged me to not only read the printed words to the story but also to make up my own narratives for these characters and actions. Who knows, maybe this is why I enjoy my nonsensical shapes that ask you to take a minute to look deeper at the drawing and play with it for a while.
Some of our most powerful images come from our childhoods. Do you have a favorite book, author or image that you remember fondly? Does it ever play out in your own artwork?...
"Getting Back to the Phantom Skill" by James McMullan
A friend sent this to me today (thanks HB!), a new column in The New York Times all about drawing. Check it out if you have time...
http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/09/16/getting-back-to-the-phantom-skill/
(...might have to copy and paste this link)
http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/09/16/getting-back-to-the-phantom-skill/
(...might have to copy and paste this link)
A good tagline
I have just finished working on some logos which required a tagline, a one-line slogan, something brief but memorable. They made me wonder, what if I had a personal tagline to motivate me to work on a project? Something like Nike's, "Just do it" or Apple Computer's "Think different"(which has always irked me because I always thought adverbs should end in 'ly' and so it should read, "Think different-ly," but whatever).
I have a friend who used to write inspirational quotes on stickies and post them around her house to help put her in the right frame of mind each morning. (I tried that once but they fell off the painted walls and my dog attempted to eat them.) Are there any educators out there?...perhaps you've done something similar with your learners. After all, a good slogan or tagline can really inspire a person. What words work for you? Something that suggests action or a sentence to focus your creative energy? If you were to visually represent these words, what would it look like? Would you use text or images? Would it be banner size, big enough to hang in a door frame or something much smaller that could be carried around in your pocket? Would it feature bright and bold colors or a clean and crisp design? What do you tell yourself when you want to get a job done?
I have a friend who used to write inspirational quotes on stickies and post them around her house to help put her in the right frame of mind each morning. (I tried that once but they fell off the painted walls and my dog attempted to eat them.) Are there any educators out there?...perhaps you've done something similar with your learners. After all, a good slogan or tagline can really inspire a person. What words work for you? Something that suggests action or a sentence to focus your creative energy? If you were to visually represent these words, what would it look like? Would you use text or images? Would it be banner size, big enough to hang in a door frame or something much smaller that could be carried around in your pocket? Would it feature bright and bold colors or a clean and crisp design? What do you tell yourself when you want to get a job done?
Thoughts on Style
Instead of getting frustrated with the one drawing (after all, this is supposed to be fun, right?), I'll move onto something else. WP says I give up to quickly, but maybe that's just my way of working? A little bit here, a little bit there (you should see me pack, I'm all over the place) until the light bulb goes off and I'm struck with an idea that just MUST be tried.
I know from talking with several artists recently that not everyone works this way. Some actually see the finished product in their minds before they even pick up a tool. Others see it partially completed, draw a sketch or take some notes, then begin. I imagine, if these people were swimmers, that they would dive in without a splash, their strokes cutting through the water as clean as can be until they reach the end of the pool. A quick turn and they would be back again, not even out of breath. Others, like me, jump in, spray everyone with water and splash around screaming until we settle somewhere in the middle of the pool, floating on our backs gasping for cool air. But I guess in the end, we all get wet. What's your style?
So, okay, sometimes it's a bit difficult for me to finish a project. My closets will certainly attest to this. But it can be fun to come back to something after awhile and pick it up again with a fresh perspective. Take this drawing of a flower, for instance. Going back through my sketchpad I see I have quite a few drawings of flowers, petals and leaves. They all feel as though they are in an unfinished state, but instead of leaving them in my sketchpad, I cut them out in an attempt to make them work together. I think in this case, "make" may be the wrong word. It sounds too forceful and really, if it's not going to work, often you can tell right away. To re-phrase then, I will attempt to collage them together. Collage is great because it involves combining individual semi-finished or finished objects in a way that is pleasing (to you, of course). It also means that you're not starting with nothing so it can be less intimidating and sometimes...sometimes...produce quicker results.
Again, I'm not completely set with this configuration, but it's a start. Any suggestions?...
I know from talking with several artists recently that not everyone works this way. Some actually see the finished product in their minds before they even pick up a tool. Others see it partially completed, draw a sketch or take some notes, then begin. I imagine, if these people were swimmers, that they would dive in without a splash, their strokes cutting through the water as clean as can be until they reach the end of the pool. A quick turn and they would be back again, not even out of breath. Others, like me, jump in, spray everyone with water and splash around screaming until we settle somewhere in the middle of the pool, floating on our backs gasping for cool air. But I guess in the end, we all get wet. What's your style?
So, okay, sometimes it's a bit difficult for me to finish a project. My closets will certainly attest to this. But it can be fun to come back to something after awhile and pick it up again with a fresh perspective. Take this drawing of a flower, for instance. Going back through my sketchpad I see I have quite a few drawings of flowers, petals and leaves. They all feel as though they are in an unfinished state, but instead of leaving them in my sketchpad, I cut them out in an attempt to make them work together. I think in this case, "make" may be the wrong word. It sounds too forceful and really, if it's not going to work, often you can tell right away. To re-phrase then, I will attempt to collage them together. Collage is great because it involves combining individual semi-finished or finished objects in a way that is pleasing (to you, of course). It also means that you're not starting with nothing so it can be less intimidating and sometimes...sometimes...produce quicker results.
Again, I'm not completely set with this configuration, but it's a start. Any suggestions?...
Back to Lines
Okay, I'm stuck. I'll admit it. I thought I knew where my drawing needed to go next, but it hasn't quite worked...yet.
I like this shape, this organic mass of squiggles and smears, a thing I cut out and kept from the last drawing. The combination of charcoal, pencil and felt tip pen seems to work. I like the blend of soft greys highlighted by thin, black lines. But now what?
As I place it on a new blank sheet of paper, there's something interesting happening with the shadows it's creating. I start to outline them, then turn them into other shapes hoping they will connect with the original. I'm not totally committed to it yet, so I think I may try something else. I'll keep this new drawing though. One just never knows what it may turn into.
To be or not to be...art
KF wrote: "I really enjoyed the read...I'm one of the folks who is always afraid to try out something like putting a line on a blank sheet of paper in the hope of it turning out as 'art'. :)"
Well, KF, you're not alone! And this is the main reason for this blog. It seems as though there are many people who, for one reason or another, have it in their minds that making some sort of mark is a terrifying experience. Perhaps it's simply reverence for that clean sheet in front of you as if your next move will cancel out that perfect state of cleanliness. Perhaps you've been told it takes enormous amounts of talent to create something. Perhaps you imagine that once you get started you'll have to invest a lot of time and money, neither of which you have right now. Perhaps you're afraid that you're going to "do it wrong". Does any of this sound familiar to anyone?
I would guess though, that there are many people out there who would say, go for it! Try it! What's the worst that can happen? You don't have to invest a lot of money, in fact there are many student versions of materials that are inexpensive, yet of decent quality. Yes, some things take time (and space), but many things can be stopped and started to suit your schedule. Okay, there are some rules, most involve how to handle a tool so that it does what you want it to without you getting get hurt, but for the most part, if you're talking about style and even technique, there's no "wrong" way to create art. And if anyone ever tells you you have no talent, ignore them. Just keep going.
Now, to the issue of Art (with a capitol "A'). This is a BIG topic and I won't ask the "What-is-art" question, because that's still being debated in universities, galleries, museums and households all over the world. Instead, I will ask, What is art to you? If you're in a museum, what object begs you to stop and look? What do you enjoy viewing? What do you collect? What makes you wonder about how it's made or what it may mean? What does it mean to you? If you can start to put that together, then when you begin a project, you only have yourself to please. And that's what this is all about.
Well, KF, you're not alone! And this is the main reason for this blog. It seems as though there are many people who, for one reason or another, have it in their minds that making some sort of mark is a terrifying experience. Perhaps it's simply reverence for that clean sheet in front of you as if your next move will cancel out that perfect state of cleanliness. Perhaps you've been told it takes enormous amounts of talent to create something. Perhaps you imagine that once you get started you'll have to invest a lot of time and money, neither of which you have right now. Perhaps you're afraid that you're going to "do it wrong". Does any of this sound familiar to anyone?
I would guess though, that there are many people out there who would say, go for it! Try it! What's the worst that can happen? You don't have to invest a lot of money, in fact there are many student versions of materials that are inexpensive, yet of decent quality. Yes, some things take time (and space), but many things can be stopped and started to suit your schedule. Okay, there are some rules, most involve how to handle a tool so that it does what you want it to without you getting get hurt, but for the most part, if you're talking about style and even technique, there's no "wrong" way to create art. And if anyone ever tells you you have no talent, ignore them. Just keep going.
Now, to the issue of Art (with a capitol "A'). This is a BIG topic and I won't ask the "What-is-art" question, because that's still being debated in universities, galleries, museums and households all over the world. Instead, I will ask, What is art to you? If you're in a museum, what object begs you to stop and look? What do you enjoy viewing? What do you collect? What makes you wonder about how it's made or what it may mean? What does it mean to you? If you can start to put that together, then when you begin a project, you only have yourself to please. And that's what this is all about.
A New Thread...no pun intended
LP wrote: "I love your blog - what great tips for anyone who's trying to create anything (like a new quilt or solve a problem in the middle of a quilt design)."
Thanks LP! This leads me to think of two new topics (threads)...one is "solving problems" and the other is "art and sewing circles". Since it's rather grey and cool where I am, and sewing circles make me feel warm and fuzzy, I'll start with that one.
First off, let me mention that I had thought about talking about quilts and realized how grossly uneducated I am to talk about them at all. I know they are lovely, amazing (and warm!) and can tell fascinating stories through the graphics they display and the painstakingly detailed workmanship that has gone into them. But I have never made a quilt or even attempted one...only a mock quilt which was made for a doll and that's another story. So I ask you, Oh Quilt Makers of the world - and I know you're out there - What is one thing about making a quilt that makes you happy?
Back to groups and sewing circles...
Gathering together while working on a project gives a whole new meaning to the concept of sharing. I admit I haven't had as many sewing circle or art group experiences as I would like but as I talk to more and more artists I'm recognizing how valuable an experience it can be. Not only are you sharing your thoughts and stories, perhaps about what's going on in your life as well as your work, but you're also sharing your energy by encouraging someone else when they get stuck or are maybe feeling less motivated.
Is anyone out there part of any art group? Would you like to share a story about your group and how it got started?
To be sure, there can be problems within groups...personalities and scheduling difficulties, I imagine...but let's face it, art is a community activity. Of course there are times when you want to work on something by yourself and aren't ready to share, but to me, it can be like watching a movie. You may watch the movie by yourself, but when it's done, do you find that you want to share it with someone? To ask them if they interpreted a scene the way you did or even caught something you didn't? Looking at art can be the same way (thanks to HB and AKD for helping me understand this). I guess that's what this blog can be for...
Talking about solving problems is a good way to continue with the lines project. I often get stuck on a project, maybe it's just that I'm tired or maybe it's not coming out the way I had thought I wanted it to. This is tricky for me because I often don't have a finished image in mind (although I know many people who always know and sometimes I envy them) and all of a sudden I take that wrong turn into what do I do now? and I can't get back to oh, this can work. So, I started to build a list of things that may help if you find yourself in this same predicament. Please fee free to offer additional suggestions:
1. Step away from the paper (or canvas, or object). Take a deep breath, go for a walk, go have a coffee, come back and start a new, clean sheet
2. Chalk this one up to "an experiment" and keep going with it, just have fun and see what develops
3. Cut off the part that doesn't work for you and attach the rest of it to another piece
4. Use part of it for a collage
5. Turn it around or upside down and look at it from another angle
6. Start working with a completely new tool (this may not work if you're trying to master a tool, such a stylus or crochet hook, but if you're painting with a brush and you don't like what it's doing, try picking up a roller instead)
7. Listen to music
8. Do something unexpected...if you're working on a drawing try turning it into a 3-D image or sculpture
Does anyone have another idea??
Thanks LP! This leads me to think of two new topics (threads)...one is "solving problems" and the other is "art and sewing circles". Since it's rather grey and cool where I am, and sewing circles make me feel warm and fuzzy, I'll start with that one.
First off, let me mention that I had thought about talking about quilts and realized how grossly uneducated I am to talk about them at all. I know they are lovely, amazing (and warm!) and can tell fascinating stories through the graphics they display and the painstakingly detailed workmanship that has gone into them. But I have never made a quilt or even attempted one...only a mock quilt which was made for a doll and that's another story. So I ask you, Oh Quilt Makers of the world - and I know you're out there - What is one thing about making a quilt that makes you happy?
Back to groups and sewing circles...
Gathering together while working on a project gives a whole new meaning to the concept of sharing. I admit I haven't had as many sewing circle or art group experiences as I would like but as I talk to more and more artists I'm recognizing how valuable an experience it can be. Not only are you sharing your thoughts and stories, perhaps about what's going on in your life as well as your work, but you're also sharing your energy by encouraging someone else when they get stuck or are maybe feeling less motivated.
Is anyone out there part of any art group? Would you like to share a story about your group and how it got started?
To be sure, there can be problems within groups...personalities and scheduling difficulties, I imagine...but let's face it, art is a community activity. Of course there are times when you want to work on something by yourself and aren't ready to share, but to me, it can be like watching a movie. You may watch the movie by yourself, but when it's done, do you find that you want to share it with someone? To ask them if they interpreted a scene the way you did or even caught something you didn't? Looking at art can be the same way (thanks to HB and AKD for helping me understand this). I guess that's what this blog can be for...
Talking about solving problems is a good way to continue with the lines project. I often get stuck on a project, maybe it's just that I'm tired or maybe it's not coming out the way I had thought I wanted it to. This is tricky for me because I often don't have a finished image in mind (although I know many people who always know and sometimes I envy them) and all of a sudden I take that wrong turn into what do I do now? and I can't get back to oh, this can work. So, I started to build a list of things that may help if you find yourself in this same predicament. Please fee free to offer additional suggestions:
1. Step away from the paper (or canvas, or object). Take a deep breath, go for a walk, go have a coffee, come back and start a new, clean sheet
2. Chalk this one up to "an experiment" and keep going with it, just have fun and see what develops
3. Cut off the part that doesn't work for you and attach the rest of it to another piece
4. Use part of it for a collage
5. Turn it around or upside down and look at it from another angle
6. Start working with a completely new tool (this may not work if you're trying to master a tool, such a stylus or crochet hook, but if you're painting with a brush and you don't like what it's doing, try picking up a roller instead)
7. Listen to music
8. Do something unexpected...if you're working on a drawing try turning it into a 3-D image or sculpture
Does anyone have another idea??
Inspiration
DAJ wrote: "Great image on the left. What did you use to make that?"
A camera (hee-hee, get it?)...But seriously, the left image is of a pillow case I own and the one on the right is actually a ceramic figure designed to look like wood. Again, just something I own. I liked the pattern of both and thought they had a simplicity that worked with the rest of the layout. (They were both on the bottom of the Home page, but I've since swapped them out for other images since they're now part of this post.)
These images were there for inspiration...at least for me. You might find other things that inspire you...a color, a pattern, a texture. Things around the house or something you've kept in the basement for years and just can't get rid of. Some of it may be a reflection of your personal style, something important to note because this may help you to decide what is art to you (see next post), and of course some of it may have sentimental value. The objects or images that inspire you, I believe, are things that even if you didn't have them anymore would have left an imprint and would always be a part of your experience.
What does everyone else think?...What do you use for inspiration?
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