Think it. Make it. (Part 1)

I’m glad to finally be back with new work to introduce! As I mentioned in the last post, I’ve spent my studio time these past few weeks working on a commissioned memory book, and at long last the project is finished. I promise to post a few photos of this project, but I need to wait until it’s delivered and gifted to the intended recipient.

I finished the memory book last Friday, and although I was very excited to complete the piece, I was also filled with a prickling dread. I always feel a sense of panic when I have to begin a new project, especially if it’s an open-ended venture with no guidelines. I felt even more trepidation this time around because I knew in the back of my mind that it was time to stop piddling around and begin working towards something substantial. However, it might not be fair to categorize my recent work as “piddling around.” Perhaps it was necessary mental preparation for a larger venture. Yes. I believe my new work is the beginning of a collection that endeavors to express ideas I’m compelled to put down in paint. I’m excited about pursuing this work, because: 1) I have a clear understanding of the direction I want to take, and 2) they just feel right to me.

The idea for this series began the way the majority of ideas begin. Typically an idea will spring into my mind, sometimes as a reaction to something I’ve seen or heard, or sometimes for no darn good reason. I get excited by the idea and if I’m not being a dumb-dumb, I record the idea in my sketchbook. I always think I’ll come back to the sketch and work it out, but it almost never works out that way. I’ve come to realize, depending on the potency of the idea, it can stay on my mind for up to a week. If I let the week pass without developing and working on the idea, it’s pretty much gone forever. Once it’s gone, I can remember how the idea made me feel, but I can’t remember the particulars of the idea itself. And then I’m a sad sack (but also secretly relieved because then I won’t have to go through the hardships that come with fleshing out a new idea).

Therefore, I’m adopting the new motto: “Think it. Make it.” From now on I’m going to try my damndest to straight away paint/draw/build whatever pops into my mind. I have mostly avoided doing this in the past because I don’t always trust my ideas. If I can’t put my finger on why the idea came to be in the first place, I become leery towards it. Or I think people won’t understand my idea the way I understand it. Or I think maybe the idea is just plain moronic. I’ve decided to give myself more credit. If an idea sparks, and it compels me to create, then there must be something to it. And indeed this is the case with my new work.

I have several works in progress, but these three are the first I’ve completed. They have sprung directly from my “think it, make it” mindset, and I have discovered that while working on the idea, I have been able to divine meaning from my new works. I intended to share with you today my methods and materials, but this post has turned into a beast, so you’ll just have to wait until next week to read more.