Showing off my stencil material. Photo by Cara Cottingham. See more of Cara's photos from this day at http://www.flickr.com/photos/95011767@N04/sets/72157640237725113/. |
So, there are 2 pieces that I am hanging. I just finished one of them today. I am... satisfied??? Honestly, I don't know how most artists go on with this acceptance of their output. I rarely love what I've created. I could go on and pick it apart, but I suppose that's not good juju. Because I don't love it, it's hard for me to hear others say nice things about it. I feel they are just being nice. If someone really did like it, I probably wouldn't believe them. It's a shame. What I would love is if somebody came up and said, "yeah, I don't like my piece either. I know how it feels."
I'll expose the 2nd piece tonight, and hope to do the stencil on Monday or Tuesday. Notes for this 2nd full run: The exposure will not be what you expect. It will be too dark or too light. It's better to spray too little on your stencil than too much. Do not let your paint supply dictate your technique or color choices. Buy more/different paint if needed. It is an experiment. Do not be upset if it's not precisely what you envisioned. You are not an expert.
This is from a couple weeks ago. I was cutting foam so that it lay neatly under the table as part of my exposure unit. Photo by Jennifer Williams. |
Yeah: I stopped painting for the most part about 8 years ago because I just never liked most of my work. I feel you.
ReplyDeleteNevertheless, that's an arresting photo and a beautiful piece.
But I know, I'd roll my eyes too if someone said that about my work! :)
Thanks Josh! I really needed that. As an update... I did talk with some of the other artists this morning, and feel a little better about showing it. I think I've come around to accepting it... even if I don't love it. Who knows. Maybe it will grow on me. Anyway. Thanks again, I appreciate your empathy.
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