The rhythm of creativity
I’ve been in the studio off and on lately, making things and creating has it’s own rhythm and cycle – it takes its own time. I’ve just finished one project and there’s nothing yet rising to take its place. It’s a kind of empty space – a place to think and to explore.
Finishing: A Small Mixed Media Series
Recently, I wrapped up a series of seven mixed media works on paper using a modified Zorn palette: Yellow Ochre, Mars Black, Cadmium Red, and Titanium Buff. I’ve always been drawn to the lush, almost fleshy colors you can get with just those four colors and took the time to explore it with my own style and imagery. Of the seven pieces, four feel polished, the other three are fine, but, not quite where I’d like them to be.
That actually happens often – some works will have more life and verve and others, even made at the exact same time, will be flatter, not quite as nice. Because I tend to work in series like this with all the pieces being brought along at the same time, I see it frequently. Sometimes, I can bring really unfortunate ones up to the average – but sometimes, I just can’t figure them out.
Here are the four finished works that I’m happiest with.
I’ve enjoyed making these small paintings, at 8×10 inches, but this series has run its course. Now I only have to decide what to do with them—maybe I’ll bind them into my process sketchbook to document the part of the creative process they represent.
Floundering: The Space Between
With the series complete, I’m in what I like to call the “the space in between.” I’ve been reworking some canvases that are sitting around the studio, putting down paint, scraping it back off, and testing out colors I haven’t used in a while. I’m glad to see some of them again and others are reminding me not to use them!
I’m also giving time and space to thinking and considering where my art practice has been, is now and could be going. I’ve had some great feedback from the Art in Hands Project and am working on a declaration of sorts to clarify that. Look for more on that soon!
This is an awkward and often uncomfortable but necessary part of the creative path – the in-between space where things can be unknown and uncertain. I’ve done this long enough now to know that this phase will end and that, if I pay attention and respect the empty space, new growth will come from it.
A Spark!
One hallmark, for me anyway, of this stage is to almost randomly make whatever takes my fancy. So, I made some paper-doll inspired figures that just make me happy. They’re freestanding mixed media creations, about 8–12 inches tall and are quirky, joyful, and unlike anything else I’ve been working on lately.
Right now, they’re purely for fun—a “what if” project that might lead somewhere or might not. Either way, they’ve brought a spark of life to my studio, and that’s enough for now.
What About You?
What phase are you in? I’d love to hear what’s bringing you joy in your creative journey. Let’s celebrate the sparks—big or small—that keep us moving forward.