I am often asked about my creative inspiration, or about my conceptual intention for each painting I create. I usually don’t have a careful answer, and instead talk about general influences and my personal history as an artist.
I am an artist and I create art because it’s what I do; I have a need to create art, which makes me an artist.
This past year (2019) I entered a few exhibitions that required a formal artist statement, so I have been pushed to articulate my creative process. With the help of my “editor” (studio assistant-art school critique language expert-media marketing specialist-middle child) I was able to analyze my work, and deconstruct all of the influences and ideas that went into its creation.
Begin Again, 24x36 inches, watercolor and mixed media on cradled panel. (Sold)
I thought I’d share the statement from one of my favorite pieces that I wrote about:
Combining my admiration of the natural world with my own nostalgic visual experiences, I worked intuitively to create “Begin Again”. Historically, poppies are a symbol of loss, while forget-me-nots serve as both a play on words and my late mother’s favorite bloom. The juxtaposition of these two symbolic floral elements represents a rebirth; celebrating the growth and continuation of life while remembering the loss of the past. The directionality of the paint drips on the poppies works in balance with the forget-me-nots reaching upward. The overall image has no beginning and no end, just as the cycle of life continues in a harmonious loop. It is this blend of both realism and abstract expressionism that gave me the inspiration to create this piece.
I did not think: I want to paint something representative of myself and use obvious metaphors to represent exact people and ideas. I was inspired, I began painting, and this painting came into existence. It was only after its completion that I was able to consider what I felt about it, and what I was trying to express. I thought about the composition as a whole, and its mood. I thought about why I might have chosen the flowers I did, why I am drawn to certain shapes and colors, and why the placement of each element just felt right. I had to introspectively reflect on my process, and remember the exact steps of creating the piece. I had to find a way to rationally explain my intuition and my creative process, and I’m still not sure I was successful. It sometimes feels insincere to create a statement of intent after the creation of the painting, like I’m trying to deliver some deep profound truth that only I can explain. It feels pretentious and makes my work seem less accessible. I enjoy art that allows each viewer to relate to it in their own way; art that acts as a mirror, reflecting the viewers’ ever changing perception of life and themselves. I appreciate art that isn’t stagnant or too formal. I paint so that I can express myself visually, not verbally.
I wanted to share this because I think it's important to understand that art (my art, anyway) is not intended to represent only one idea. If you feel something while looking at a piece—even if that feeling is just that you like it—you are in on the conceptual meaning behind it. There is no other secret than that. You are an expert on your own mind. If something resonates with you, I hope you allow yourself the confidence to believe you understand its meaning, regardless of any official statements or reasoning. I use my intuition to create; you can use yours to discern what you think is “good art”, and what is meaningful to you.