Comments on Creative Ruminations: Sticky Art

Thank you Traci and Creatingme for your comments. ...

2011-11-26T13:01:02.514-08:00

Thank you Traci and Creatingme for your comments. I agree that a clear style is important for an artist. I don't have any qualms about that aspect. The issue that I have is the idea that in order to have a clear style the artist must limit herself to one medium. I believe it is possible to have a clear style in multiple mediums. Why can't a painter also sculpt and still maintain her style? If I understand her correctly, Leslie seems to believe that this isn't possible, what I intend to do, as an artist is prove her wrong. :)

I'll keep you posted.

Thank you for all your comments. This has been a very interesting conversation and I'm grateful that each of us was able to disagree and discuss respectfully. I have to utmost regard for each of you. Thank you to all of you!

I do agree that every artist that I truly notice, ...

2011-11-23T21:53:29.467-08:00

I do agree that every artist that I truly notice, has a very definite style. Mindy Lacefield is a great example for me. I see a piece from her and I notice in a heart beat that it is hers. I have many artists that I follow that have very clear style. I do love this. I feel familiar with them through their work. I guess for me, I am still finding my style. That said, I think it evolves pretty naturally. My husband was watching me paint the other night and he just said, out of the blue, without reading any article, that the piece was totally my style. Interesting because I have not focused on that yet!

Nice discussion here! Thank you both!

I am landing on both yours and Lesley's blog w...

2011-11-21T17:52:33.464-08:00

I am landing on both yours and Lesley's blog within minutes of each other...karma. Lesley's post hit me over the head and made perfect sense for me. I have been struggling with the focus and direction of my artwork. I feel like I'm all over the place so reading Lesley's post is just what I needed. I agree with her reply that if you're creating just for the love of creating, then none of what she said matters. But I want to drill down on a specific style that is recognizable so everything she says is right on target for me.

When I'm not feeling creative or just need a diversion, then I grab different materials and experiment. Maybe I will add some of that to my artwork at a later time but I still want to develop my own strong, personal style.

For me, working with too many materials (paint, textiles, collage, etc.) is distracting and take me off my intended course. I might make a lot of fun, creative pieces but I won't have a body of work to display. I think it all boils down to the intended purpose.

"but I am bent on proving otherwise." I...

2011-11-21T08:33:57.253-08:00

"but I am bent on proving otherwise."

I love it! Keep me posted!

Leslie, thank you for your comment. I find this co...

2011-11-20T13:54:02.127-08:00

Leslie, thank you for your comment. I find this conversation quite interesting and could go on for a while with it.

I'm pretty passionate about the idea of being a Renaissance woman who dabbles in a lot of interesting things, but isn't most likely going to be a specialist in anything. I guess the "jack-of-all-trades, but master of none" mentality is my M.O. I think there is a place for people like me even though our world is getting more and more specialized.

I understand your opinion that in order to get noticed, you need to focus on your particular talent and push work that emphasizes that talent, but I am bent on proving otherwise.

Thank you again for your comment. I'm flattered that you would take the time to respond!

Hi Bethany. Thanks for inviting me to chime in her...

2011-11-20T12:57:08.747-08:00

Hi Bethany. Thanks for inviting me to chime in here. I understand what you are saying and agree wholeheartedly. You become a better artist by exploring different mediums, but mostly if you can combine new materials, insight or techniques in the art that is representative of your voice/style.

The focus of my article is to help artists get noticed. The best way to get known is to have a strong style that the public can recognize as belonging to them. In order to achieve that, it is best to develop a body of work that is consistent. And in order to do THAT, it is best to stick with one art form. That form can be collage and your collage style can be on a variety of surfaces. It can be a drawing style which can also be on a variety of surfaces. You can draw with pencil, paint, crayon or a computer, but the style has to be consistent.

Perhaps I wasn't clear when I said to limit materials or type of art. Hopefully this will help to clarify. I did not mean only draw with pencil on paper, but if drawing is your talent, then focus on marketing your drawing, not your collages. Make your drawing the focus of your collage. Does that make sense?
Find your unique talent and develop it.

If you want to create art just for the love of creating, then none of what I say matters. As creatingme said, "I don't always have an intent, I am just creating because I feel like it and it frees me, relaxed me."

I'm writing about apples, I think you may be referring to oranges. Both are valid ways to express yourself. The goals are just different.

Thanks for the opportunity for discussion!

I hadn't even taking the evolving idea into co...

2011-11-19T05:45:27.332-08:00

I hadn't even taking the evolving idea into consideration. You're right. Art does evolve as the artist improves technique and has life experience. Excellent point.

gosh I disagree with a few things. I get what she...

2011-11-18T21:04:06.570-08:00

gosh I disagree with a few things. I get what she is saying, but never limit yourself to one style of art. Ever! Also, what is wrong with randomly sticking a pretty piece of paper in the corner just because it is soooo pretty. Nothing. It is pretty and this makes me happy! I don't always have an intent, I am just creating because I feel like it and it frees me, relaxed me. It does seem like the successful artists do have a style, but at the same time, I think it is so important to evolve and try different things, even if this means altering this specific style.