Highly appreciated description! In addition to my artistic moments, I worked as a guide in contemporary art museums. And for each work, visitors have the same question ... Just try to explain to people that “understanding” the work is not possible. I could have given them this article to read ;)
Fortunately, as a guide, we did not have to repeat the brochure or the text written by the artist or art expert friend. That bit of mystery is just what makes it fascinating, just like meeting people. Being open and discovering.
Yes, communicating with one's creation! And yes, it's mostly intuitive but literally there are often times I will speak out loud to my pieces out of praise, frustration, even asking them how can I best serve them and do what needs to be done. I also respect the subtly of choice.....choosing colors, forms, objects, size, and bases to be a part of the work. And hopefully it all comes together in a cohesive symphony of unity and meaning.
Thank you Cecil. I think this idea of a conversation is spot on. Part of the delight of painting is responding to the unexpected ‘pooling’ or settling of pigment against a collaged edge, or how a ‘mistake’ or mark made in frustration can set you off in a whole new direction. It’s thrilling and challenging and just like a conversation with an interesting and vibrant friend where you end up in all sorts of unexpected places!
I love what you said about how positive a 'mistake' or frustrating mark can bring one in a whole new direction. Accidents can at times really work out on a piece for the best as I'll either leave it as is, or add on to it.
Highly appreciated description! In addition to my artistic moments, I worked as a guide in contemporary art museums. And for each work, visitors have the same question ... Just try to explain to people that “understanding” the work is not possible. I could have given them this article to read ;)
Fortunately, as a guide, we did not have to repeat the brochure or the text written by the artist or art expert friend. That bit of mystery is just what makes it fascinating, just like meeting people. Being open and discovering.
Yes, communicating with one's creation! And yes, it's mostly intuitive but literally there are often times I will speak out loud to my pieces out of praise, frustration, even asking them how can I best serve them and do what needs to be done. I also respect the subtly of choice.....choosing colors, forms, objects, size, and bases to be a part of the work. And hopefully it all comes together in a cohesive symphony of unity and meaning.
Thank you Cecil. I think this idea of a conversation is spot on. Part of the delight of painting is responding to the unexpected ‘pooling’ or settling of pigment against a collaged edge, or how a ‘mistake’ or mark made in frustration can set you off in a whole new direction. It’s thrilling and challenging and just like a conversation with an interesting and vibrant friend where you end up in all sorts of unexpected places!
I love what you said about how positive a 'mistake' or frustrating mark can bring one in a whole new direction. Accidents can at times really work out on a piece for the best as I'll either leave it as is, or add on to it.