Every now and then we are all blessed with the so called -"light bulb moments" when something you see, do or read rings so true that you feel quite enlightened and confirmed in your mind.
My recent "moment" came after reading a chapter by Teodoru Badu in a book called New Masters of Photoshop (Vol2), and while the guy was referencing his own experiences with digital art, I believe the sentiments he expressed ring true for any and all art forms. He was discussing Style and how one is recognized through a consistent body of work but suggests one should beware of the 'style-trap'.
I quote from the book..
"...beware the danger of falling into the 'style-trap', which can be lethal. Sometimes, when you try to dress an idea in a specific style, instead of giving birth to that idea, you pretty much kill it, just because you're so intent on trying to apply a style that does not fit the idea. My opinion is that being able to change, finding new techniques and developing and changing your personal style is just as important, if not more important, that searching for your personal style. Just keeping a fingerprint of style is enough, and if you have new ideas that deserve a new way of working, change the way you work, dont hesitate. After doing this, you will be pleased with what you have done, even when it looks completely different from what you have created before."
Amen and thankyou Mr. Badu!
I'm off to polish my 'fingerprint' whilst feeling much better about creating something that looks quite different each and every day and feeling a lot less schizophrenic! :-)
yes, what a relief to hear - that's how i want to create....
Posted by: katie | January 05, 2007 at 10:36 PM
Mr Badu has it right on target. My goal this year is to come up with a brand that is totally me. It's something that I have been struggling with as a vintage artist that will set me apart from the others. You do have a style that is all your own. You're on the right path! Keep up the good work!!
Posted by: Altered Antiquity | January 02, 2007 at 08:53 PM
Marie - thank you for this quote. I have started making a lot of wire wrapped jewelry and did one show so far and I am considering doing a lot more in the spring - I am building up inventory now. I recently bought a book about marketing and selling jewelry (although it could be about any art form). Anyway I am up to the chapter where the author is saying you "must" develop a signature style. She say's once you determine and clearly define your style, then by extension you will know who your typical customer is. I read this last night and I must say I hardly slept - I am all over the place and I have a million ideas and I am the same with my art. I was thinking there was something wrong with me. I guess Mr. Badu is giving us permission to be who we want to be and to grow with our art and also make mistakes along the way. I needed to hear this and I needed to hear it today. A style is great but not if it hinders growth and learning and I feel I am always learning. I have a friend who is painting the same way after 20 years - heck she is painting the same paintings - her answer "they sell" - this is NOT for me.
Went to new Hope yesterday with my husband - great day and great weather - we had such a nice time. Enjoy your trip to Australia and keep doing what you are doing with your art it's great.
Posted by: Jean Hutter | December 30, 2006 at 10:17 AM