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Selection of 'Quilt Squares' © Cherry Jeffs 2013
The amassing of squares for my paper 'quilt' is proving a wonderful opportunity for an exploration of process.
I meander along a particular creative path and see where it leads me. When I feel I have gone into a cul-de-sac, I back out and start on a new path. (You'll be able to identify a few of these paths in the selection shown.)
Staying the Course
However, after reading this inspiring interview with artist, Anna Schuleit about her process on Gwarlingo, I began to question whether it might not be beneficial to try staying with the path a bit longer in case - rather than a cul-de-sac - all I have reached is a rather narrow pass.
So what about you?
Can YOU "stay with the work even if it doesn't feel great, or seem satisfying, directional or conclusive"?
2 Comments
J.T.
28/8/2014 08:16:00 am
In the throes of this at present. Have spent past 365 days with 30 storyboards I created for a book idea. The images all arrived in a few days. But much is still missing. Not sure how to tie it all together with words and pictures. It certainly does not feel great or satisfying, and definately not directional or conclusive. I'm now making a larger sample dummy to see if that will help it along. This is the first project I have not quit. But it feels like I am a fake. All the "how will I" questions keep popping up. Yesterday I sat at my table for four hours, and all I managed to do was to scan and print out my thumbnail sketches in a larger format. I'm showing up at my drawing table each day. Just angry and tired of the fear and doubt. Trying too hard? Not enough? Yet I've got to keep at it. I am having to learn how to trust my art again. That there is a Plan for it, even though I cannot see it fully at present. I saw your mom's paper cut-outs. I was touched seeing them. Hold fast to them.
Cherry Jeffs
28/8/2014 10:58:42 am
I totally empathize with your situation, JT, as I've definitely been there. Maybe, since you've been at it 365, it's time to take a break with this project to 'play' with something else a while & come back to it fresh? You're subconscious may need a break to sort through stuff and come up with solutions. It's a difficult decision to know when to push on and when to take time out and only you can decide but I certainly don't think you could accuse yourself of not having stuck with it. Some projects - particularly books - take a long time to materialize into their final form and it doesn't always happen in one fell swoop. Pat yourself on the back for what you've achieved so far! Leave a Reply. |
