A Path Through Art
Mon, February 22, 2010 at 07:00AM "Many of our fears are tissue paper-thin,
and a single courageous step
would carry us clear through them."
- Brendan Francis
the latest and greatest 5x8" watercolor moleskine journal
It is difficult to see trends in my style by leafing through my journals and loose pages. I art journal in random, non-chronological order; I don't even do the pages in order within an altered book or journal. And even then, I don't do the pages at all once. I do a bunch of backgrounds and might not add collage or layers or journaling until months later. But I photograph or scan everything, so sorting through the digital files is the easiest way for me to see changes. In theory it's possible to find the transition points. Some points mark a significant shift in style. Others are subtle.
Take a bit of time this week to look back through your artwork or writing (knitting, recipes, embroidery...) and see what you can learn from the past and the path.
One of the benefits of experimentation is to grow and evolve your personal style. Learn more at Creative Experiments: Creativity Comes in Different Flavors! Join the monthly Creative Experiments challenge!
Reader Comments (5)
I am following your blog for some time now and I really enjoy your ideas, It is very inspirational. I never posted a comment (sorry!) but now I couldn't help myself when I saw the photo of the churchwindow in Haarlem. That is were I live. I had noticed you visited Amsterdam and Belgium as well. Keep up the good work. Thanks! Helen
What we do without our digital world?? Good thing you keep up with your scanning and photographing. I tend to
only scan finished items or sets! Makes for alot of scanning on a particular day! I am an "in order" person in my moleskines. I really enjoy looking back to see my evolution and my changes. It's also good to revisit cuz then i'll remember something I want to pursue or learn more about!
Lots of eye candy in that journal :)
Eden
p.s. I never read a magazine in chronological order or even a non-fiction book!! LOL!
i enjoy visiting your blog so much...always come away inspired. i was just thinking yesterday about the progression - or maybe evolution is a better word - of my art. looking back at every stage i can see it reflects so clearly where i was at the time.
You have great quotes and beautiful artwork!
*Helen, Thank you for commenting, I know it is hard to start commenting on a blog, but it is so appreciated. We absolutely adored our travels this summer, and Haarlem was a gem. We were there when the market in the center square was open with various delicious treats. We had fresh pineapple - french fries - fish - beer as I recall!
*Eden, The only exception to my doing things in random order is the watercolor moleskines, as it is just easier to draw in order.
*Stacy, The experience of looking back through my art has been really positive and fun. I've learned a lot and it's also created further curiosity as to why I changed my style when I did.
*Carol, I'm so happy that you like the quotes, I spend a good bit of time tracking down quotes that really speak to me. So thank you, especially for your sweet words!
~ Tammy