Younger me:
Once in a while, I am asked, “What do you do?” “I’m an artist,” I answer. Most often, the conversation ends. Some people ask, “What kind of artist?” My gaze turns into that of a deer in headlights. Then comes a more specific question? “What media do you work in?” That’s when my feet fidget. I stammered, “It depends on the idea of each piece.” “Oh.” They say.
Before work begins, I must research my idea based on my knowledge of materials and practice. In some cases, I need to learn new techniques, for example, sculpting in polymer clay in my mixed media 3-d collages in my Tribute to Women Artist Series.
I’ve had this quote by Rollo May tacked to my studio wall for years. In his book, Courage to Create, he wrote, “Creative Courage is discovering new forms, symbols, and patterns in order live out our imagination.” (I would add discovering new materials.)
Older me:
“So, what kind of artist are you?” I clear my throat. “I am a multi-disciplined artist.” I like the analogy artist Darci Gill wrote, attributing a multidisciplined artist (drawing, painting, sculpting) as a triathlete (swimmer, runner, biker). He has written a great blog defining “What kind of Art do you make?” www.darcigill.com
The medium which I choose for my work depends on the idea. For example, in the “Tribute to Women Artist series,” I draw with pencil, sculpt in clay, paint with acrylics, and build with wood. I might add fabric or other materials appropriate for each piece.
Drawing was my discipline during my art training; every idea starts with a pencil and paper. Drawing on a gesso surface expresses a textured surface, which offers another characteristic. Drawing in colored pencil can look like a drawing or painting, depending on the technique.
Combining watercolor and colored pencil on aqua boards or oil pastel and ink on clay boards provides a surface and material which conveys a different mood.
I completed illustrations for a nonfiction picture book on Bob White Quail, using oil pastels that have vivid colors and creamy consistency. This choice of media made a huge impact visually on how this narrative series turned out.
The words of Rollo May are valid; it does take courage to have an idea and research new techniques and media while acquiring knowledge to express creative imagination.
https://daricgill.com/2013/08/26/define-your-discipline.
To be continued…..
