With the first of year 5 challenge coming next week... and a full weekend of introductions on the FFFC Group, it has been an exciting time. Through it all, I have observed one thing...
I carefully studied the blogs and websites I could and what I found is this... our personalities really come out in our artwork. I understand so much better the work of those I have participated with during the last 4 years. Studying the works of those I could of the new members, I have to say it is really exciting 'getting to know you' through your work. Seems like we can say all we want about ourselves, yet our artwork says more than words can...
Did you? or Have you? noticed this?
Inquiring minds want to know....
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Now that you mention it Carole, I do believe you are correct. I was at an opening for a local fiber art show yesterday. I know of some of the entrants, and although I didn't recognize their work without the name, I do see what you are suggesting seems true. I would bet though, just thinking of my own work, that our moods, current life crisis, etc. could vastly affect the outcome of any particular piece!!! A new technique, a bad hair day.........who am I with this piece???
ReplyDeleteLOL!!!
janice/Houston
Interesting you say that... because I was thinking the same thing after I posted... but underneath...it is still you/me... color, style, precision,content? do you think?
ReplyDeleteYes, certainly. An artist can't NOT put some of themselves into a piece. I guess what I'm saying is: we are complex beings. I know that for myself, even the different mediums, felting, piecing, applique bring out a different part of me. Some seem to come from a more serious/comtemplative faction, others a whimsical or joyeous. They are all me, but it would take a retrospective to see the WHOLE me, as it would with anyone. I'm thinking we can know a part of a person from their work, and especially on a blog where we read where the work is coming from (which is what you started talking about!) but we must be careful to see beyond one or two pieces. Expressing anger over a certain issue comes to mind. The artist may be the mildest person you'd ever meet, but one thing pushes a button and wham!@ you get this way over the line art work! That could lead to a lot of confusion about the artist, don't you think?!???
ReplyDelete(Just for discussion's sake!!!!)
I see your point.... it could, indeed.I know I have come from different directions... hmmm. Perhaps I was being too broad in my thinking. That happens, too.
ReplyDeleteUntil just over a year ago, I had been fretting about a turn my work had taken... The pieces, colors, and even the fabrics I was painting didn't seem "me".... I didn't realize until taking a master class with Elizabeth Busch at QSDS last year, that "I" was still in the pieces that were bothering me. Our first "assignment" was to bring 8"x10" photos of 10 of our latest pieces, and we had to put them up together on our design walls. That was an eye opener.... I tend to just look at the individual pieces as they happen, but having a large group of them together let me see for myself that I really hadn't gone that far off the edge... There was at least a little something in each that sort of connected them.
ReplyDeleteThe pieces I feel the most comfortable with still are the ones that I do in "my pretty" colors, or with my flowers, etc. but I am trying now to not let the ones that seem to pop out of nowhere get me down even if I can't figure out why I made them.
What is going on in life DOES add to our art, for good or bad.... I guess I am just trying to make friends with it all, and not let any pieces stop me from continuing on making more... whatever seems to pop out next, and hope not to let it stop me in my tracks again.... Easier said than done, though :)
A study of the Old Masters is what brought this to my attention first. Yes, their work changes, but there is always a 'something' that defines the artist.
ReplyDeleteOne excellent way to prove this to yourself is to try to change your handwriting. Do whatever you want with it, then turn it upside down and compare ... not the style... only the letters...with something you have written in your regular handwriting... you will be surprised. Banks use it for signatures from time to time.
very informative post for me as I am always looking for new content that can help me and my knowledge grow better.
ReplyDelete