Recently I began a discussion here about being an abstract artist. I described my communication with another artist who looks down on modern art, even told me so: “I don’t respect modern art” were his words. Rather than get my dander up, his words had me almost pitying him. Poor thing, look at all the amazing things he’s missing out on.
An important truth I learned while training to be a clairvoyant reader is that if one is in judgment of something or someone, one will not be able to see that person or thing clearly. In order to see, one must be open to seeing what is there. The kicker came in my discussion with this other artist when he asked me, in a somewhat puzzled tone, how did I prepare to make an abstract painting?
This question revealed a lot about the asker. He couldn’t imagine how to prepare to paint abstractly. It was easy to imagine painting something specific that he could draw out first, working to make sure he had captured the image of the person or object sitting in front of him. That was real to him. What wasn’t real was working from a different vision, one that might not already exist. To actually bring into being for the first time ever, an image. I think it scared him. Perhaps it seemed out of his control somehow.
I love questions like this. I rewrite my artist’s statement, refine it consistently, to get to this nugget of wisdom I work from. The paintings I paint are possible because of the work I do on myself. That is on every level. I am creating new worlds each time I paint, and this requires my full participation. If I am to ask so much from myself, I’d better be willing to give back.
I know, for example, that I have to take care of my body in order to find inspiration. Starving artist, no thank you. Good food, exercise, enough sleep every day. When I feel stuck, one of the best ways I know to move past it is to add to my wardrobe, make myself a new skirt or something. Validate my body, be kind to it, remember to thank it for everything it does. After all, it puts up with me!
I meditate every day. Meditation is, simply, the process of communicating within oneself. This has become as necessary to my health on every level as food and sleep. Some days it’s like hauling rocks from one end of the yard to the other. Other days, there’s beauty and peace.
Other things that are important: music and lots of it. I always listen to music while I paint. Communication with other creatives. Going out to see art, see what’s happening. Working at my art on some level, every day. I spend a lot more time these days promoting, which is equally important. I want my work to be seen, therefore I’d better tell you about it. Reading, writing, even cleaning my house makes a difference. Clear out the clutter to make room for the new. Having a good attitude helps me enormously. Smiling. Giving clairvoyant readings. Each of us has worlds inside. I like to paint them.
What I need to do to prepare myself changes as I do. The key is to find what it takes for me that day and do it. I know that on Sunday the best thing I do will be to go out and have a fun date with my husband, see a movie or something. Maybe go for a hike. Just spend time together.
What works for you? Whatever your chosen art form, how do you get ready to do it?
Featured Painting: “Glow Worm” 2008 8″x8″ $75. Find it here.
I personally do not paint, but my girlfriend is doing it for about 2 years now. And as you said, she always has to listen to her favorite music (hardrock) while painting.
Fabulous work!
I love abstracts and yours is so emotional.
I, as a person, have to be put together well in order to be creative. That means I have to sleep well and eat well and dress well and generally be taken care of well, by me, and I make sure I do that. I spoil myself with things that make me feel better and don’t invest a huge amount of time in the more negative aspects of my life. I always try to tip the balance toward the positive end. So, I am not in balance, I am in motion toward the positive side of the scale.
It is interesting that you bring this up, because it is an appropriate issue in my life right now. I am more creative and have to find out when i am most productive. I think that is when I am in a positive state of mind, when I am upbeat and happy and I can laugh easily. Definitely when I am dressed well and am generally put together well.
Thanks for bringing this up.
xoxox
I love to paint but I just can’t come up with a beautiful work whenever I do an abstract painting so I end up not finishing my work. Your work is so colorful and lovely, I wonder what or where did you get that inspiration to come out with such a wonderful work of art. I hope to see more f your work.
John
Kris — You are on a roll. Beautiful work. Amazing posts. You are an inspiration.
Hi. What a great post. When I started working in abstract I did have people around me friends and relatives not ‘getting’ it. It didn’t bother me but I wanted them to educate them on it. So that’s what I do when I see someone frowning at abstract art..even though most times they still don’t get it. Your ideas connecting the spiritual with art is very interesting. I think art is very spiritual and reveals our inner self. I get ready for a painting by drawing out many variations. It’s basically improvisation. I then choose the best one to transfer to canvas. The funnest part is I don’t know what I’m going to end up drawing…
Emotion on canvas… It seems to me that is the whole goal no matter how you get there. I think my purpose in following the path of art is to connect with those orphaned feelings. You blog is such an inspiration and a reminder not to lose the bigger picture and most important, the Spirit!
I left an award for you on my Anniversary post. (Blogs that made an impact on my first year). I need only come here to remember – I am so glad you are posting in force again!