Lately, I've been on a quest to "find my artistic style". I don't really even know what that means. I was on the internet reading about why artists should have a cohesive body of work. UGH! After reading the article was so depressed. I think it's cause I like to jump all over the place. And you know what. It makes me happy.
Since college I've been trying to fit into this imaginary mold. I'm over it. Trying to create in a mold stops my progress. I mean over the past week I've barely painted anything because I'm so busy analyzing. I wonder sometimes if I secretly want to impress people as opposed to doing art that makes me fulfilled.
So, I made this sign which is hanging by my painting area so I can remember to stop judging so harshly and just create. How about you? Do you feel the pressure to impress?
Sharing with Simon Says Stamp DT Call & Paint Party Friday
Supplies: Art Minds wooden plaque (no longer sold); StazOn Black Ink; Ranger Foil Sheets;
Handmade stamps; Super Vintage Prima stamps (no longer sold)
very nice piece!
ReplyDeleteGreat sign and wonderful quote, I don't try to impress, I made a decision to only create art that brings me joy.
ReplyDeleteI like to do the same...thanks for stopping by!
DeleteGorgeous project. Happy PPF
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful sign and a great post. I went through this exact same thing a year or so ago and, like you, I jumped around all over the place with different mediums and styles just trying things out that inspired me. A friend recommended a book called 'Finding your visual voice' which I got a copy of and it really helps you to work out what it is that appeals to you most artistically, in subject matter, style, medium, everything. It's a really good book. I had always heard the same that work should be consistent and I think I have found my own style now which came from trial and error and having fun along the way (and a very serendipitous win of a place on a painting workshop that I would never normally have chosen to go on but that totally helped me discover what I really loved!) Your work is beautiful and you do have a recognisable style whether in pen and ink or paints - I think our style finds us along the way!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment Nic, I have already found that book in Amazon and will def check it out! You know I do agree our style kinda does find us.
DeleteLovely and inspiring piece you created!
ReplyDeleteI believe it is human nature to want to be liked and accepted.
That said I truly feel that doing what I enjoy and what feeds my soul is what really drives me. A favorite saying is "Art Helps Me Breathe" and I find that to ring true.
It is my first time playing along with PPF.
Hope it's OK I added my two cents :-)
oxo
I love that quote and feel like that's true for me too. Thanks for stopping by Patty!
DeleteVery beautiful card. I think you have hit the nail on the head! Something we don't like to admit, I guess, is that we do want approval. My "style" is similar in thinking to yours… I am all over the place with flowers one week, doodles another time, greetings cards another etc. I think it keeps one from getting stale to have a variety of styles. Great post.
ReplyDeletebeautiful art reminder Danielle. I think that jumping all over the place can be a wonderful way to eventually find a more stylized calling, provided you are doing it for YOU and no one else. Happy PPF!
ReplyDeleteI agree as well that you have your own style. I feel the same. I'm trying to find my own style too. But you have to keep in mind doing other things helps you get to the point of having your own style. Taking a little bit from one thing until you are using it in the way that you see fit. You're doing just fine honey. You won't know if you like the way of doing something until you try it.
ReplyDeleteI love your room sign! And I think all of us artists struggle with that. I found a style I love a couple of years ago and as I develop and want to try new things, sometimes I briefly wonder if I should or if I must continue in my style. But then I remember that I love to create and that I love variety. I think you should create in whatever way that makes you happy!! xo Silke
ReplyDeleteYes, I think we all struggle with that at some point. I'm all over the place, too. I know I don't want my art to look like other people's............. just my own. I think we have to do a lot of art to find out what's our own. I don't want to be restricted or fit in to someone else's mold.......... only mine. your work is evolving as you are.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you!! I'm a jumper--we are easily bored and look for new and interesting. I JUST wrote a blog post about how this is distressing as an artist. Glad to find you--I am new to blogging and always glad to find new art friends--especially ones that flitter like me! Happy to say I am a new follower. xo Dea Oh--I do love the piece you made--very lovely.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I'm still trying things out and having fun. It will come.
ReplyDeleteInspiring piece, my friend!Greetings from Brazil!
ReplyDeleteAgree, agree, agree... I can't identify that I have a "style" though others say they can see when it's my work. I'm not at calling myself an artist - a crafter, a creative - but I can't see why we can't work in whatever way we want as long as we're happy doing it.
ReplyDeleteI love your reminder piece... a good idea to have that nearby.
Alison x