A photo from my “Your Creativity Matters” lecture at the Paso Robles Art Association.

“Art cannot be separated from life. It is the expression of the greatest need of which life is capable, and we value art not because of the skilled product, but because of its revelation of a life’s experience.”

Robert Henri

Curiosity

It was said about artist Robert Rauschenberg that his only real incentive as an artist was curiosity about what a picture could be.The dictionary defines “curiosity” as the desire to know something, as well as, eagerness to know about something or to get information.

Curiosity is about learning.

Curiosity is my new favorite word. I try to remember this every time I create. The word “curiosity” helps me to play and experiment. It loosens me up. It reminds me to watch what happens when one color mixes with another. It reminds me to not take things for granted. And, most importantly, it reminds me to really be involved in the process.

Whenever I go out into the studio, I ask myself, “How curious am I going to be today?”

Curiosity allows creativity to be a magical experience. Curiosity infuses art making with a sense of wonder. Curiosity is both empowering and calming at the same time. Curiosity gives me the strength to carry on and not give up, especially when things in the studio are not going so well.

Curiosity is at the root of creating work in a series. I have always worked in a series format, and I guess I have always been curious while doing so. However, I’m just realizing it now.

“I wonder what will happen if, on this next piece, I try this? And on the next piece, I really want to try that. ”Curiosity gives me permission to try new things and really dive deep into my ideas, themes and images.

Curiosity generates ideas. Curiosity helps build momentum. Curiosity makes creativity fun.

How curious are you going to be today?

Best,

David

[WORKSHOP]