Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Response: Lost in translation; from the mind to the art piece
As I began to mold my magnificent animal that I had pictured in my mind, I had only hoped that it would look the same way. I have an artsy and creative imagination and when drawing, it doesn't always end so well. I thought to myself, molding an animal will be easy, I can do this. In reality, this elephant did not look like I planned what so ever. I couldn't even create it as an object but merely as a flat shape. It was disappointing and almost more disappointing that I would have to work on it again the following week. As I came up with ways I would save my poor Penelope from my no so fabulous art skills, I imagined an elephant I saw in a picture that I imagined was from India with a beautiful painted trunk. So I went for it! In the end, it still didn't come out the way I expected it to. Painting for me was extremely therapeutic and was a way to really focus on one thing and not be distracting by everything else going on around me. I may not be able to present my artwork successfully just yet, but I will continue to try.
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My practice professor last year used to always repeat, "process before content!" when referring to the therapeutic relationship and I feel like your experience is a great example of that. It sounds like for you, it was the process of making the elephant that brought you the most contentment. It is clear to me even without looking at the elephant photograph below that you had a vision in mind while you were working. I also applaud your acceptance of how your elephant came to life, it wasn't what you expected but it seems to be exactly how it was meant to be!
ReplyDeleteYour post totally resonated with me! I too usually start off with a vivid beautiful image in my head and often am disappointed with the one I create on paper. Maybe that's the reason I often choose to do abstract images since no one (including myself) knows what it's supposed to be and there is comfort in being vague. The last 2 activities - with its specific instructions about making a figurine animal and superhero challenged me to step out of my abstract comfort zone towards creating something more concrete. I had to pay attention to the details and this really frustrated me. As you might rmb, my little einstein, storm wannabe character was a far cry from the fierce and powerful image I had in mind...but it was mine nonetheless. Your post was a great reminder that I am not alone in this and that I shouldn't stop trying just because it's not good enough in my head.
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