So since my last update a drawing of mine has now reached New York, to then be shipped onto Florida. It’s a strange feeling to know that something I have carefully looked after and spent a lot of time creating is now out of my care and thousands of miles away (hopefully still in perfect condition). I know people sell their art all the time and it’s no big deal but for me – at this point it is huge. For anyone interested I have been a member of a site called Artfinder which I have always found to be okay. The work varies on the site in terms of quality and depth – and price but I have found it a nice way to start off. And people actually look at what your doing, it also feels quite friendly also. I would recommend it to anyone thinking about starting to attempt to sell work.
Onto things slightly more thoughtful now, whilst reading a World War Two book a few days ago I read a line that mentioned a commander modelling an attack or some kind of plan on an historical that bore similarities to his current situation. Anyway, this got me thinking about life drawing, sculptors working from life etc…naturally I wondered how this applied to my own (inherently abstract) practice. First thought – it doesn’t. Second thought, actually it does – in a big way, not just to me either – but to everyone within the arts. Working from a model needn’t be from actual life, a model or a landscape – it is an idea or a goal that whatever it is your doing wants to achieve or spring from. Something that your practice can centre around or the spirit in which you work. Definitely nothing profound there but a worthwhile thought nonetheless.
Whilst doing my degree it was always very important to have a direction, what and why are you doing this? Explain, explain, explain. I guess it is in a lot of ways and in a sense it separates different practitioners. Whilst this is great for focussing creative attention it also serves to limit exploration as well. I have come to learn through years of working alone that anything that stimulates or takes your interest is a valid stepping stone or springboard. Creative freedom is so important in keeping yourself interested and engaged through what can be a hard struggle to keep on producing work with what sometimes seems there is no progression – apart from what goes on in a sketchbook (or drawings to be stored away). My advice is do what ever the fuck makes you happy and keeps you working (I probably wouldn’t take advice from me).
As is always thanks for reading – if anyone ever actually does!
