Make Art.
I read some inspiring words the other day that pushed me to paint and art journal with a little more courage than usual. Four days a week, I sit in a noisy gym at my son's kickboxing practice - sometimes I take work with me, and sometimes I take my sketchbook. My usual process involves pencil sketching, perfecting lines, and then going over the lines with pen before adding color, if I go to that step - most often, I'm drawing stamp images, so they don't get colored. This time, the words I had read challenged my tendency to perfectionism, and I skipped the pencil step and I sketched in pen. It was a great exercise in trusting myself, and I'm proud of the results. Here's my piece all painted in:
These are the words that I read, and I'd love to hear your thoughts:
"The purpose of art is not to produce a product. The purpose of art is to produce thinking. The secret is not the mechanics or technical skill that create art - but the process of introspection and different levels of contemplation that generate it. Once you learn to embrace this process, your creative potential is limitless.--Erik Wahl
Artwork should be an active verb (a lens by which to view the world) not a passive noun (a painting that sits dormant in a museum). Creativity lies NOT in the done but in the doing. Art is active and incomplete. Always shifting, always becoming. Art is a sneak peak into the future of potential, of what could be. Not a past result of what has been already done. Art is a process not a product.
Art is a human act. Art is Risky. Generous. Courageous. Provocative. You can be perfect, or you can make art. You can keep track of what you will get in return for your effort, or you can make art. You can enjoy the status quo, or you can make art."
**I did have some requests for art prints of my work, and I have cleaned it up into a frameable piece, and ordered some samples to test out the process. If you'd be interested in ordering a print for your craft room, please leave me a comment!**
Now go make art!
I'm so glad I'm your first comment, Dina. I love this post as you continue to inspire and teach. I was asked just yesterday if I sold my work. No, I responded. I've had enough deadlines in my lifetime. I create for my enjoyment and to give to others. Art is a human act - and a compassionate one when we give to others something of ourselves - a piece of the God given gifting He has placed within each of us. I pass on the words of the book you told me about to encourage others. Creative is a verb - and we all have that DNA.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for telling us how you approach a sketch. I was delighted to know you use both your pencil and pen before coloring, and smiled when I read you practice perfecting lines - I like that (she smiles). Isn't life like art? We practice, grow, practice, grow, and our love of learning increases. Let's pass these lessons on.
Love and hugs,
Susie ~
I would love to purchase a print, thank you for your offer. You artwork is beautiful and so inspiring. I look forward every day to receiving your emails, not only for the amazing art but also for you words of encouragement. Thank you for sharing your talent. Diane Clark
ReplyDeleteA very beautiful journal page. You are so talented.
ReplyDeleteWords to chew on, "or you can make art." smiling...
ReplyDeleteFirst, I would like to thank Suzi for being the first to comment, her awesome words moved me almost as much as yours did!!! Can't tell you both how warm and fuzzy I feel, quite unsul for 5 am!! Ha ha. I do want a print, really really, really... I want to stay warm and fuzzy forever.
ReplyDeleteFunny - the same part stood out to me as it did to you - you can be perfect or you can make art - I love that!!
ReplyDeleteI would love to order a print for my future studio/classroom! Love it!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to type out those words, put them on an artsy, smooshed, watercolor-y background, frame it, and give it to my stamping buddy for Christmas. I'm also going to make a copy for myself because this anal retentive stamper never wants to forget the wisdom and great freedom found in Erik's words. Thank you SO MUCH for posting this!
ReplyDeleteBeautifully said!!!! NOW, to try not to be perfect and go make ART!!!! Thanks for the reminder Dina...it definitely is a process I am grateful for. Love your journal page - would like one for sure!!!
ReplyDeletePaper Hugs,
Jan
Really moved by your piece, what you wrote & th comments! I am so tired my brain is dead lol so I have no words of wisdom. Your piece intregues me but not sure that I could afford it.
ReplyDeleteOh, Dina, what an amazing and inspiring post today and such a beautiful piece of art you made!! Wow! I would love to have a print of this journal page. Like Jan said above, "now, to try not to be perfect and go make art!" Ha! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteTrue words indeed. Easier said than done in my case though :(
ReplyDeleteIn taking that leap you have created a wonderful journal page and certainly deserve to be proud.
What a wonderful quote! Thank you for sharing it and inspiring us to make more art!
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