Years ago, a painting instructor said to me "You KNOW how to paint, but you need to find your own voice". What did he mean? I took him to mean that I should move away from imitation and express who I am in my work. Be unique! I began by consciously listening to my subconscious. By tapping into these thoughts, I found a fresh perspective for my work. Think about it: how many artists have painted portraits? Bazillions! But, you can easily recognize a portrait painted by Van Gogh, or Renoir, or Picasso. Why? Because each imparted his unique viewpoint and style to his portrait- a "solto voce."Lately, someone admonished me, "You don't want to be known as that 'cracked eggshell artist!' so move on; do something else!" Well, I'd be very happy to be known for this body of work. It is unique. It's better than not being recognized at all. And, I do paint concepts other than egg shells, but I keep this series going because it forces me to tap into my subconscious on a daily basis. One of our fellow bloggers, Don Michael, Jr., is very successful at this (I hope you don't mind the plug, Don!). Take a look at his work at http://www.donmichaeljr.com/blog/. So, the point of this rambling is to find what makes you unique as an artist. Steer away from imitation and be original!
9 comments:
Great post, it's been the most enlightening thing I've read today and I for one love your cracked eggshell series, will visit often!
Thanks so much, Theresa!
Thanks for your comment on my blog Kathy! It's great how these blogs can be so connected through comments and I am glad I had a chance to visit your lovely work! How unique, glowing and beautiful.
that would annoy me...somoene saying "you dont want to be known as the cracked eggshell person." why the heck NOT! Thats the dumbest thing I've ever heard. It's obviously important to your work and there's always a ground bases each artist has...why can't it be cracked eggshells? life is too short to worry about that stuff...just love what you do, and do it often.
Great post. I'm glad you found my blog because now I found yours. The interconnections in blogland are astounding.
Finding your voice in art takes a certain amount of bravery. You have to be willing to listen to your own heart/spirit/mind and honour what you discover. Sometimes you are taken somewhere you don't fully understand. It's this being out on a limb that is a bit uncomfortable. I'm on the limb right now.
I really enjoyed your blog, Kathy...even before I got to the advertisement for my work. Wow! Thank so much you for the plug. But, most of all thank you for staying true to who you are as an artist. Personally I think you're actually pretty cool for a cracked eggshell lady... :-P
Kathy.... great series. unique, creative, well done..I too have been encouraged about the benefit of doing series... If Monet can do 26 Haystacks, we also may explore possiblies of a series. ... and thank for visting my blog.....ellen
I've enjoyed reading your last few posts. You've raised important issues for the practicing artist. Thanks for your insights.
Great point!
Thanks for the quote on knowing how to paint..finding one's voice.
~~~Keep crackin'~~~
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