Writing and Thinking
Some thoughts after our zoom meeting:
The experience of writing a short piece addressing the process of making work was incredibly good for me. It made me re-think and question why I tend to work in the way that I do. My written piece can be found at the bottom of this post. I wrote it in a style that resembles an interview rather than a poetic or creative piece of writing in itself. After our session I think I would have approached it a bit differently.
I generally enjoy writing very much and for years I wrote every day. It is a habit that I have lost since having children but I desire to make it part of my life again. My grandmother was a writer and wrote around 40 books (mostly novels). She also illustrated some of her books and has always been a big source of inspiration to me.
There are a few things that I take away from the session that will support my critical thinking and writing. In the future I will consider a more poetic style of writing. I found this a lovely element when listening to Lisa’s written piece. I can pay more intentional attention to fostering my own creativity through writing which is not unlike paying attention to one’s general wellness…so fostering creative wellness (this really resonates with what I believe my practice should be at it’s core). I enjoyed the idea that the visual is in access of written language. I believe that as we write, we untangle ourselves and therefore allow a open and clear channel through which our creativity can flow and find it’s form.
The possibilities for writing in relation to practice was broadened and will continue to broaden as I aim to look at written work on the JAR (journal for artistic research) platform in the near future. I am curious to look at the style in which they write these publications. The idea that analytical thinking helps to take me beyond the assumption (the initial thought) was interesting to me. It challenges me to write more, because writing is the only way I can see myself delving deeper into possibilities and ideas. Without analytical and critical writing, I tend to get overwhelmed by thoughts and ideas and it can become a tangled mess. I also like the concept that critical thinking weighs up the arguments that we found as we analyze our work. I aim to apply this as I approach our next Fracture, Form, Frame task.
Michele mentioned the idea that standing back every so often while working, can allow a moment to take you to an objective space where the artwork itself or the medium can tell you what it wants to become or what the next step should be (to bend our conscious deliberation). I will pay closer attention to these moments of choice in the future.
‘Gathering information and fostering a view that makes kinship to our own practice, was a beautiful idea that Michele also spoke of during our session. I would like to keep this concept at the back of my mind as I create.
This little poem by Rudyard Kipling will some in handy as I keep it in my back pocket:
‘I have six honest serving men
They taught me all they knew;
Their names are What and Why and When and How and Where and Who…
Rudyard Kipling
Follow up task:
Our follow up task was to Investigate the links to various articles and to identify the following:
- an artists’ interview
- an artist talking about their work
- writing as creative work
The first link that introduced me to an artist called Lubaina Himid. It was definitely an artist interview with the purpose of getting to know the artist on a more personal level and to get inside of his mind in terms of what motivates him. I enjoyed reading through it. I enjoy his heart for community and speaking out for those who has no voice. He also speaks about opening up his studio and that it’s not a sacred space to be alone but a place where he invites people in to share and exchange ideas and thoughts.
Jennifer Packer is the artist in focus when I followed the second link. The style of writing in this article is analytical and explores her medium, style and motivations. It is an artist talking about her own work. Not so much in term of her methods but she is describing what she is trying to express and why. We get to know her heart and her intentions.
The third link to me to an interview again. Artist Helen Marten is interviewed regarding writing her first novel. I found it refreshing to read about a sculptural artist that took a year ’off’ and away from her studio and turned to writing as a creative expression. I think it is brave to listen to where new seasons of life wants to take your creative practice.
The forth link took me to an interesting piece of writing that is definitely in itself a creative work. From the pages that I read, I took away a sense of wanting to be more aware and mindful of my own habits and the things that are ordinary and automatic. An Attempt at Exhausting a Place in Paris, is the name of this short book by Georges Perec written in October 1974 and published in 1975. It seems to be observations of the author as he sat in a square. He notes things that normally goes unnoticed and does not seem to mind repeating himself. I found it very inspiring and different and necessary.
Thank you for the opportunity to be exposed to these inspiring artists!
Task: Week 3- Writing as a process
What do you think about when you make?
When I enter the studio with the intention to create, I always find myself going into a bit of a ritual. I suspect this is how I transition from my day, into a creative frame of mind. The ritual involves cleaning/organising my space; preparing my materials and putting on some music. I try to clear my mind of any thoughts and get into a state of ‘openness’ towards my concept. I allow myself to think out of the box without judgement or restrictions. If my concept or idea is already clear I will plan my composition and colours. This is a more calculated state of mind but equally important.
How do you feel when you make your work?
By the time I am making work, I guess the only word that can begin to describe it will be: relief!! My artwork often starts with an ‘urge’ to express a concept. This ‘urge’ is not always pleasant because I struggle with the initial concepts. But it is that same urge that is the drive behind getting it done.
How do you physically engage with your materials?
The artwork I enjoy the most tends to be the ones where I get my hands full of the material. Charcoal or chalk pastel has been great, because it often requires me to smear and rub the powder onto the page. I also enjoy using my fingers as tools when I paint with oil. I also enjoy sculpture because of how I need to move around the piece.
It has been helpful to reflect on these prompts and I look forward to discussing it with the group.