If your actions inspire others to dream more,
learn more, do more and become more,
you are a leader.- John Quincy Adams -
"Blissful Chaos" is a small abstract you've probably seen on my website or Facebook in the past months. I started to complete these small non-representational abstracts over a year ago, and have to admit, I enjoy getting away from the large landscapes, now and then, to refresh my senses creating something totally different.
Many times in conversations over the years, friends, who for the most part created realistically, have said, "I never could do abstracts." Well, honestly, years back, I never thought I could either and never thought I'd want to. As a young person, realism was always my soul-mate and, perhaps, I thought I was cheating on him. (+: But to grow as an artist, one must always be willing to learn, study and experiment in other areas. I dove in to books on the subject, reading about artists who explored the abstract and non-representational arts whether it was visual, music, or poetry. I came to realize that as an art, it was quite thought provoking and difficult. There were components to it just as with anything else that needed to be learned. I wanted to see, listen, explore and read to get the understanding of negative spaces instead of always enjoying the positive ones. In music it might be the unresolved or "outside" note. In poetry, the choice of an obscure word, phrase or metaphor to pull a poem together. In theatre, a lack of props to make imagination come alive. Interestingly, it was as I thought, a study, thoughtful, playful and an intuitive way of completing a piece. More on my discoveries to come...
I feel really fortunate. Katie. I made my first collage only 6 years ago on a whim and quickly had to start taking the art seriously because right away I got an art gallery show. I bought books on collage, dadaism , color, perspective, how to draw, you name it! All these things take time to learn and much practice, but little by little I'm trying to learn as I go along. But back to why I feel fortunate. Because of my art, it's connected me to artists like you. One thing that makes me smart..I know surrounding myself with people with knowledge, experience and talent is a way to gain a real understanding about the arts. I can't remember a time I was interested in abstract but now I'm curious, thanks! Of course this isn't the only reason I like you..I also think you are so sweet! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cathy. You're a sweetheart! Having always been an artist and then a teacher, books have been my friends as well as films and literature. One never knows where inspiration will pop from, and as artists we'll see it or be inspired from a word or phrase, a wrong in the world, a fantasy, or a poem. Art is everywhere and can be pulled from the darkest to the funniest places. It's up to us to "see" the more. Everything takes time to learn to be the best we can be, and the learning should never stop. Mediocre work... it's everywhere... we have to be better and work toward our best everyday.
ReplyDeleteI have a good friend who loves abstract and non-rep art, and it was she who talked to me, explained and drew me in to research and read.I think your whimsical and beautiful pieces are abstractions of our daily realities, so you're more there than you know! I had to come at it from a purist attitude in Realism and I found it most difficult, but "got" it! It was like learning algebra in a way... using the other side of the brain, and seeing a different perspective in problem solving.(I'm sure some would disagree with this as it shouldn't be or isn't a problem to be solved, so to speak. But there are things like balance, color, etc. that must be dealt with correctly, even intuitively, to have a good composition.) I think I'll explain that feeling in my next blog.
I also feel fortunate having met artist friends through Cecil's group(long time you and I have been there) and now Facebook. I'm always here or there if you ever need assistance, girlfriend! Thanks for commenting here. I appreciate your thoughts and friendship. (+:
Kathryn, Your work is captivating! Thank you for the visual feast!!
ReplyDeleteThank you too, Saundra! Your site is spectacular! Wonderful artwork! Check Saundra's sit @ http://sgalloway.fineartstudioonline.com/
ReplyDeleteHi Kate,
ReplyDeleteYou are so right. It is not easy to think abstract when one is used to realism. As you say to grow as an artist one has to learn new things. Thank you for this inspiring post. I hope to try and learn too. Best regards.
Thank you, Vijaya! I suppose we have to be life long learners. it keeps life interesting. Hope all is well with you... I'll email you soon. (+:
ReplyDeleteHello Kathryn,
ReplyDeleteI found your blog by way of the Mixed Media site and have to tell you that I love your philosophy. I too am a mixed media and assemblage artist. I try to use old, throw-away items to build my sculptures. I really enjoyed reading your post and have become a follower so that I can pop in often.
Hope to chat again.
Faye
Faye, I am so sorry that I haven't been to my blog for a while and just saw your note here. Thank you for stopping by and for your kind inspiration. You now have made me realize that people actually do come here to read them, and I will post another soon. Things have been very up in the air here, but feel free to Facebook me or even email. I'd love to see your work. (+: Kate
ReplyDeleteColors, colors, colors ... !!!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!