LOVE TO CREATE
This is not just a photograph of some parked cars. It is a photograph of the parked cars of all the artists who attended my first ever workshop at my home studio/classroom. I got the biggest kick out of seeing all of the artists arrive and park in front of my studio. A life-long dream. Thanks to all who attended. Stay tuned for info about the next one in March. © 2018 David Limrite
“Just do your work. And if the world needs your work it will come and get you. And if it doesn’t, do your work anyway.”
Kiki Smith, Artist
Love To Create
Last week I wrote about how important it is for artists to complete their creations and then release those creations out into the world. However, I was reminded by a very good friend of mine, who also happens to be an amazing sculptor, that there is also something to be said for contemplation time. The artist Jim Dine has said that “It is not all about attack, attack, attack. You must take the time to contemplate what you have done."
I know lots of artists who like to live with their new creations in order to help them determine whether they are finished or not.
I contemplate my work during the making of it, not just when I think it may be finished. I usually know when a piece is finished. I just know. I think most artists just know. What helps me in this process is to work on several pieces at once, working back and forth between them. While I am working on one piece, I am living with and contemplating the others. I often find the solution to completing one piece while I am working on another one.
I genuinely love creating art more than I love the actual finished pieces themselves. It is “process not product” for me. Jim Dine has also said, “Once a piece is finished, the party is over. The piece has to then take care of itself.”
I realize that process is important; however, it would not have much meaning if an artist did not occasionally finish a piece that they loved and were really proud of. And if that requires living with a piece and engaging in some contemplation time with it, then I am all for it.
I rarely love anything that I create. There have been a few pieces over the years. But don’t get me wrong, I like my work very much. I genuinely like what I create. However, I love the act of creating it even more.
I learned a long time ago to not fall too deeply in love with my work. When I fall in love with my work, I get too precious with it. I play it safe. I settle. And the work loses its edge. If I had to rely on loving everything I created, I would be miserable.
What works best for me is to stay hungry, have high standards, be my own best critic, take risks, be curious and keep searching for that magical balance with the promise of each new piece. When I focus on process rather than end product, my finished pieces are so much better.
Love creating.
Love the process. Every minute of it.
The process is where the magic happens.
Best,
David
[THIS SATURDAY...]
LIVE PAINTING DEMONSTRATION
AT ART CENTRAL'S 7TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
February 10 | Saturday | 1pm to 4pm | My Live Demonstration
1329 Monterey St (at Johnson), San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
In support of Art Central, San Luis Obispo's independent art store, I will be creating an original figurative piece while demonstrating my drawing, painting, and mixed media techniques.
Come celebrate and join the festivities while watching the magic of creativity come to life on the easel. Bring your questions, curiosity, and creative heart!