Balance

balance...Something they don't really teach you about. Aside from your 2-D Design class where you learn about balance in your drawing or painting, they don't teach you about balance in your life. How do you balance your readings and analysis in Art History, creativity in Painting, and a presentation in Marketing? Well, maybe most art students don't have to deal with that last one, but I'm sure they have something similar, whether it is Global Connections or Earth Science. How do you balance all of that...and then your job...and you boyfriend...and your friends...and every other responsibility you may have?

The hardest thing is switching gears. When you have 3 tests to study for, you can plan your time and set study times for each subject. But how do you plan creativity? How do you say, "hey, I'm going to paint at 6 pm and it is going to be wonderful." Maybe it's just me, but sometimes you just don't have it in you. And sometimes, you have that mind-blowing idea that you just have to get out. My solution? Art comes first. Keep a sketchbook and a camera with you at all times. You never know when you will be inspired. You can always make time to study, just make sure you fit it in and don't put it off until the last minute. Sometimes you have to put your art on hold, but if you keep that sketchbook with drawings and notes, you will be able to conjure up that inspiration when you are in your studio.

For those who are not in school, the same applies to you. Unfortunately, we can't all make a living as an artist. Life gets in the way. Stay on track and draw, write, or record any ideas you have whenever they come to you. Trust me, you don't want to forget your best idea for a painting because you were at work and too busy to write it down. Remember, it's hard being an artist...but it's harder not to be one :-)

Art and Originality

I remember my sophomore year in college when one of my teachers said, "each generation thinks they are the first." At the time, this comment was made in response to a conversation about how young kids are experimenting with sex and drugs. Although that topic has nothing to do with this post, the idea that we seem to believe we are original simply because something is new to us, is relevant. One of the struggles of art is that it is not about getting the right answer. A + B does not = C. In fact, in art there are no set variables. We get no equation and there are no rules, limitations, or instructions. Instead, we are given a toothpick, a piece of string, and some duct tape and told to build a house. I think that many artists strive to be an original and to make their mark on the art world. More often than not, however, we find ourselves "doing something new," only to find out that over a dozen known artists have done the same thing.

I am not saying that there is no originality anymore because that would be impossible for me to prove and definitely something I do not believe. But our definition of originality may have to change. On one hand we can argue that originality is in the eye of the beholder; if it is new to you, it is original. No one other than yourself can know whether you are referencing other artists or if you have been naive and have come to these conclusions, or questions, on your own. On the other hand, we can acknowledge that of all the work an artist will make, only a small percentage of it will be shown to others (not including close friends and family). Editing becomes key here and after self doubt and harsh self-critiques, only the best (and original) work gets chosen. Because of this selection process, I think that more original work is likely to be shown.

Now, there are undeniably countless theories on originality and I have only mentioned two. Personally, I agree with the first option. All artists MUST be well-versed in both art history and contemporary art. Find artists that share your interest either in painting style, subject, or concept. Learn from them, but do not copy or abandon your work because you find it is not completely original. It is your own and your ideas and even your imperfections are what make it yours. Do not be discouraged if you think that other artists do it better. Do not forget what you bring to the table; something fresh and completely yours.

The reason I am writing about this subject is because it is an issue I have difficulty dealing with. It is easier said than done, but hopefully I too can get past my own insecurities.

Back in the Swing of Things

After a crazy month of last minute creativity cramming and a nice 3 week vacation to follow, it is finally time to go back to class. I have always found myself to be that annoying dorky kid who actually gets really excited about a new semester with new classes and new teachers. With 1 more year to go, however, I seem to have misplaced my enthusiasm.

Tomorrow is my first day back and I am already stressed thinking about all that I have to do. After a misguided semester of indecisive concepts, I am struggling with my direction for the semester to come. As of right now, I think that I will continue to address our judgments. It amazes me how we manage to harshly judge and ignore certain people at the same time. I think that right now I am having a hard time because it seems that I can't think of many female characters. One that I am planning on painting is a stripper.

All I can say is that I definitely have my work cut out for me. I have tons of research to do and a whole bunch of painting to work on while balancing everything else. If only there were more hours in a day or days in a week. But I guess I will have to take what I can get. I can't complain, though, because as much as it stresses me out, all of the work and all of the pressure is extremely motivating.

If you have any comments, feel free to post or email me at heatherg@jerrysartarama.com :-)