learning what forever feels like

Crutches

Crutches in my art have been conceptualism as a method of control, the image as a form of inspiration, realism as a medium for communication, and painting as a means of validation as an artist. In my current work I did not have a fully conceptualized plan before I started, and this has allowed me to create intuitively (from mark to mark). I have not been painting from a photograph or preconceived image, and so I have been able to create something wholly from myself. Not working from an image or with a specific visual goal in mind has kept me from clinging to realism as a means of communicating with my viewer. Also, I am beginning to embrace performance and poetry as a part of my work. I no longer allow myself to be boxed into the identity of Painter as it is not true to my person, and is entirely too safe. I am so excited to see the changes happening in my work, and feel as though I am on the brink of something beautiful.

Artist’s block

When I want to create something, I simply begin to make in what ever form I am able to at the moment. I constantly challenge myself to trust in myself, or rather to trust that what I am making will come full circle with what I want to be making. I am also incredibly conceptual and grounded in the theory of my work and process, so I can often logic my way through things. The ability to reason and the ability to feel are both powerful tools, and so I use them both. If one is not working for me I use the other. If I feel blocked, I think up a bridge to get over the wall. If nothing that I’m doing makes any rational sense, I trust my senses and feel my way through.