Hey!
Wow!
I wasn't expecting such a great response to my post on Friday. I am so glad I have a great network of people who have such wonderful opinions and show so much support.
I have been thinking a lot about this over the weekend. Well, thinking a lot about what I posted on Friday. I think I have come to somewhat of a conclusion. I am no way going to stop making art. That wasn't even an option. I am, however, going to change my approach a little bit. Well, I am going to try. I think that from now on I am really going to put a lot more thought into what I am doing. I really like the work that I have been making over this last year, but I feel that sometimes I am just making work to make work, and I feel that has to change. I want to make work that I have a reason to make. I want to be a little bit more adventurous. I want to explore more subject matter. I want to try to let go of this mentality of "ok, that sold, guess I should make another one."
I think that is where I was getting lost. I think that I was really running out of ideas too. You know? So I sat down this weekend and really thought about my past work, and my work now, and what I liked and what I didn't, and what works, and what doesn't. I really want to focus on the work that make me feel satisfied.
So I sat down and did these little collages on paper. They aren't quite done yet... I also started a new series of bird etchings this weekend. Well, I finished one, but I am working on two plates right now. They really make me happy, and I know birds are kinda the hot thing right now (especially on Etsy) I don't really care. Birds have always held a special place in my heart (mostly because they remind me of certain family members and moments) and I just really love to include them in my work.
So thank you all for such great comments on that last post. I really appreciate it.
7 comments:
i really love your new stuff. I totally understand what you mean by, "well that sold, better make another one." i was making these bird charms, that were custom and made to order and i was getting so many requests that it wasn't fun anymore. I was making money, but I was getting sick of doing the same thing over and over. I am also the type that can't remake the same exact thing a lot. I like to make a one of a kind piece, and then move on and make different pieces. I love your bird etching, I dont think birds will ever get old.
It is funny, because just the other day I said to my daughter, "I wonder when birds will go out of style, because I will be screwed when they do." I love the metaphors that birds' lives offer - nesting, mating, migrating, taking a perch, taking off... You could go really far searching ideas about birds. I just love your work, and I enjoy hearing about the thinking process. Every artist struggles with these issues and wishes one day the work was more spontaneous and free and the next day wants it to be serious and thoughtful. I don't think we have much control over it, but as long as you keep thinking about it and making art you will always succeed. Have you ever kept a journal - one you carry with you all the time? It can really help keep you head in the right place and give all your ideas a place.
i love the etching and am happy to see you were able to clear your head and start down the path again...
I love the steps on the new path. I makes me wanna see what you gonna come up with next! With your style and ability it's going te be a pleasure to see what ever you will make, especially if you feel it's something from your heart. Go girl!
That just shows what a good Artist you are, Michele. You're willing to take risks and experiment with your work. That makes your art richer and more stunning in every way.
I'd give my left arm to own a piece of your work.
xx Tia
i love the bird too.
i'm still sending you a greyhound card, i just got kinda swamped.
michele, did you use photoemulsion on your typewriter silkscreen prints? If so how was cleanup and are you doing silkscreen indoors?
thanks lots, Janice
Post a Comment