Alass



Lately, my favorite part of a project is the beginning... as I've become more experienced at creating layers, textures, building up and sanding down, it never seems quite done. If I'm having a bad or creatively slow day I just make paper - pasting down scraps from the table, gelling and glittering, sponging and stenciling on the paint, just to get that... feeling of freedom that comes with making a mess, glue, etc. on the hands without (over)thinking.
By the time the paint is dry I've usually gathered design elements that change repeatedly until the last bead is glued in place. At times I lose my focus and have trouble remembering what the theme was in the first place. I've happened upon some lovely trims that I'm tempted to overuse along with a handful or two of the incredible stash of bling that seems to be multiplying in boxes and piles on the studio floor (hope I'm showing restraint - ha.)
I feel like I've finished a series (btw, the '7' and '3' are purposely mirrored, a subtle shout to a memorable year in my life) and am ready to move on to, well, whatever is next. I have some 10x10 cradled canvases, several boxes and books that I'd like to alter. There is never a shortage of substrates, materials, processes, sometimes just focus. But I'm sure I'm not the only one lucky enough to ponder the infinite universe of the creative life. Let's try to think of it that way if we find ourselves at odds... stuck, poised to break through to the next level...

Comments

OH MY GOSH Patti. Did you read my mind? Did you think my thoughts? Did you probe my brain and learn my darkest, deepest emotions? Did you then take those thoughts and emotions and rewrite them in a more articulate form than you found them?

You really touched home with your words. Although for me, there is always a shortage of substrates and materials, I have learned to make do with what I have. The processes are those I learn from generous and giving friends I've met on the internet. They may not be the latest, but they sure allow me to have a very creative life.
Healing Woman said…
If I told regular people, not artists, about some of the materials I have used in my work, they would freak out. Bling comes in all sorts of shapes. I even use lint from my dryer.

Thanks for disclosing your texture secrets. Loved reading this post.
Javajune said…
Just happened by. Love your work. The creative process IS the best part. Enjoy
-jj
Lori said…
Fabulous piece!
Debrina said…
Love these sentiments...and I whole-heartedly agree!! I always love the start of a new project - so much potential and an infinite number of possibilities! Love this page too, Patti. I think this would be a masterful wall hanging if it was replicated on very thick card and you made the rectangles with the numbers real little embedded boxes in the board so that they make little windows...
Riki Schumacher said…
I couldn't agree more Patti! It does all seem to work out, doesn't it? Take care, Riki
merci33 said…
I love your post...it is so in sync with the rhythm of the year and the place where, if honest, we all could easily identify.

All best as you navigate to the next level of adventure!
Crystal said…
This was great inspiration for me! If i don't have any "major ideas" going,sometimes i won't even attempt to start anything. I am looking forward to changing that and seeing what happens;)

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