Sometimes the muse takes a vacation and finding inspiration to work as an artist is tough. Television rarely offers inspiration in the realm of art but today I watched a program featuring outdoor artists. Based on pop art, made from rocks, sticks, even street art posters and chalk lines were part of the show. Now before I tick anyone off I have to say that I can see the point these artists are trying make. I understand they are simply expressing themselves...BUT I fail to accept it as art in the light of being fine art. I see it more of a craft project or middle school science project. I know, I know, to each their own. BUT...they are creating, and to me that is the real inspiration I feel from their artistic lifestyle - I just don't care for the art (just my opinion).
What kept me watching the program was the fact these artists expressed passion for what they do and they do it all the time. That...in and of itself inspired me to create. Why not create everyday? Where is the passion? Did it leave with the muse? No, possibly boredom took over. I do create everyday...lately I have failed to produce like a factory but I am redefining myself as an artist (new body of work - and doing a lot with photography these days). I also work in three major areas (fine art - oil painting, Photography, and graphic/web design). So for me, it is a difficult balance of time and effort. A real juggling act when family duties, day job obligations, and general life require more and more of my time.
As artists I believe we create everyday...we may not always be aware of it; but we do. Writers ponder the next story when they are not actively writing, chefs have to eat so they create meals even when they aren't preparing meals at work, and artists see things in a different way even when they are driving to the art supply store.
After all is said and done, as artists, we must create. Creating is what drives us...it is our passion. Thinking in those terms makes one understand or at least makes one ponder the "chicken or the egg" concept in art regarding passion. Is an artists passion the subject they choose or is it the drive to create? Maybe it is both...maybe for you it is one ore the other. Just a thought...but remember this; as you have read this post, I created it. Yes it is true, I am an artist, a painter, a photographer, a designer; but for now as I sit here typing...a writer. An artist creating everyday.
- Michael
What kept me watching the program was the fact these artists expressed passion for what they do and they do it all the time. That...in and of itself inspired me to create. Why not create everyday? Where is the passion? Did it leave with the muse? No, possibly boredom took over. I do create everyday...lately I have failed to produce like a factory but I am redefining myself as an artist (new body of work - and doing a lot with photography these days). I also work in three major areas (fine art - oil painting, Photography, and graphic/web design). So for me, it is a difficult balance of time and effort. A real juggling act when family duties, day job obligations, and general life require more and more of my time.
As artists I believe we create everyday...we may not always be aware of it; but we do. Writers ponder the next story when they are not actively writing, chefs have to eat so they create meals even when they aren't preparing meals at work, and artists see things in a different way even when they are driving to the art supply store.
After all is said and done, as artists, we must create. Creating is what drives us...it is our passion. Thinking in those terms makes one understand or at least makes one ponder the "chicken or the egg" concept in art regarding passion. Is an artists passion the subject they choose or is it the drive to create? Maybe it is both...maybe for you it is one ore the other. Just a thought...but remember this; as you have read this post, I created it. Yes it is true, I am an artist, a painter, a photographer, a designer; but for now as I sit here typing...a writer. An artist creating everyday.
- Michael
3 comments:
The workshop I went to really inspired me to get back to writing. Before that, I hadn't written in years. And since I've been back, I've written almost every day, and I've found the more I write, more ideas for the next story happen. I imagine it's the same with art, the more you create, the more inspired you become for the next project. Keep up the good work, Mike. I love your art.
Thanks Michelle, lately there is more desire than production but that's really alright. I still feel like I'm growing as an artist and I can't wait to share what I am creating (holding back for a complete body of new work).
Oh, but desire is key! I truly can't wait to see the new work.
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