Pondering along to topics, following the norm, repeating the same process and approach. It sound boring already. I like to try alternatives, taking what we see as the ordinary and seeing what other angles and perspectives I could take. Some ways I approach this is by looking at parallel meanings, visuals and their counterparts. Once I have a selection I question my work.
Try to steer away from conventional habitual ways of thinking by overcoming mind-sets; they lead to predictable results with lack of excitement. Aim for originality, by breaking free of conventions and preconceptions. One way is to ask questions; What if I change this? How will my target audience view this? Can this be taken as a metaphor? How will this look from a different viewpoint? What other mediums can I use? How can I describe this using other senses? Why can’t I try?
A sample from a sketchbook of mine, exploring alternative ways of looking at the absolution and the four horsemen. In particular of the can be associated with todays society.
By asking questions about your work so far you can see things from an alternative viewpoint. Similes and metaphors offer a replacement of the standard approach. By proposing a fresh look to the problem, we gain an insight into other people’s perspectives. Combined with regular reassessments of our work a good working result can be achieved.
Another sketchbook of mine. Samples of experimentation using powder pigment, materials and water.
Making mistakes through play and experimentation can be exciting and may turn up unexpected and useful results. The image above shows how by playing around with powdered pigment and water created a unique pattern that I was then able to utilise with a screen print. During experimentation we learn to understand the medium/issue and work out its limits, how it can be manipulated and useful characteristics.
I consider myself a hoarder of curiosities. Over years I have collected, textures, fabrics, books, free stuff, found items, captured moments in time, experiences, rubbings and music. This collection of curiosities has amassed to create, what my mother would call a “mess”, but I label as “Organised Chaos”. These items are inspirational to me and my family.
I have several places of interest around my home, the pin board in the kitchen provides and area that can be added to and reflected upon at the spur of the moment. Special moments of time that reawaken memories. A pin board in the bedroom focuses on my current project, with images and key words, it also had a notebook for those inspirations that only occur whilst half asleep. A loft space for my larger items and tools. This area is off limits to my child, so I can set up and experiment with unusual items to my heart’s content. And my main workspace in the living room.
My organised chaos of a workspace, usually a little tidier (honestly).
This organised Chaos has most of the items that I frequently use all within arm’s reach. Reference books, sketchbooks, materials and a selection of inspirations.
I also have other methods of widening my awareness and indulging in inspirations; my PC. Even though I work mainly with traditional techniques, the computer has large storage space, inspirations, enables me to communicate with friends with different social backgrounds and likes. Through art sites and networking I expand not only my cultural awareness, but I am more aware of other people’s perspectives. International friends share music, images and writings with me. The art sites show me other artists work, their inspirations, techniques and insights. They also allow me to indulge in other projects and ideas that I would not have thought of. Even the desktop is set to change with different images collected my family.
We should experiment and collect to help us to develop. Inspirations and resources can be found all around us, we just need to look for them. Diverging from the mainstream we expand our vision and reach more people and more varied audiences.
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