AN ARTIST CHOOSES (Part Two)
OK. So what is on my mind about the human condition that could possibly interest me enough to explore ideas for a new series of figurative drawings and paintings?
A LOT!
There is so much going on these days.
However, I have never been an artist that responds to external things: current events, politics, war, etc. I respond more to internal thoughts and emotions and I have always wanted to go deeper with my art. Get more personal, internal and emotional.
So many choices.
So, into my journals I go. Looking for ideas. I want to create art that responds to being alive. But what is resonating with me?
I find this:
"Your subject is yourself, your impressions, your emotions in the presence of nature."
Eugene Delacroix (1798-1863)
I decide that I want to create pieces that deal with the "self". But I want some conflict and emotion in the work.
What does this mean?
I find this:
"Art is a successful attempt to render an internal state of mind or feeling."
Francis Picabia (1879-1953)
I now decide that I want to create work that connects the viewer with their own emotions.
I then find these words by Ian Roberts from his book, CREATIVE AUTHENTICITY:
"To find power in your work, you must dive into being - into self. The depth of your painting will equal the depth of your contact with being."
I have an AHA MOMENT! As artists we live for these and they come at the most unlikely moments. My AHA MOMENTS mostly come when I am working, or in this case, doing research.
I realize that these new pieces must be about the deep secrets that go on within ourselves.
After much research, reading and perusing my journals, I find the idea that I have been looking for. I choose to try and depict the shared human experience of the internal battle, conflict and struggle between self (authentic) and self (ego). We are all trying to figure out life. We are all trying to figure out ourselves and our place in the world. We are all looking for answers, meaning, authenticity and truth. This requires soul searching and it will require that I depict the battle between our inner, true, authentic self with our outer self (our ego).
Whew! That feels deep. Deeper than I have ever ever gone with my work. I think I have something that I can sink my teeth into.
As you read this, you may think that I found this idea or concept in a matter of minutes. In reality, I have been thinking, reading, researching and pouring through my journals for a couple of months now.
I maintain that it is always worth it to keep at it. To pursue every thought, lead, quote and fleeting idea.
Take control of your art by exploring everything. DO NOT GIVE UP!
In AN ARTIST CHOOSES (Part Three), I will discuss how I have decided to depict my new theme visually and how the trials and tribulations that I have been going through with this current body of work may help you depict your own ideas visually as well.