Finding a creative voice

“To draw, you must close your eyes and sing.” – Pablo Picasso

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Everyone has a voice- no two people are the same.

But maybe you aren’t sure what your creative voice is?….. and I would also ask…. are you looking for it? I am not always sure everyone is. but if you are, then read on…..

Be mindful when something catches your eye. WHY? does it catch your eye? Why do you like it?

And keep asking that question down to the smallest details. I still like doing this when something catches me eye until I really get to the nitty-gritty of what I like and am able to say each thing I like about it.

Keep a notebook or sketchbook- to capture some of this voice (or whisper)- and write it down. It can be hard to “hear” our voice sometimes with social media. I like looking through my notes and writing down ideas- not to mention I remember better when I write them down.

• Colors i like/ i am drawn to
  

• Art marks/ lines/ composition (do a quick doodle to remember the way things line up)
  

• Artistic mediums- papers, paint, stencils, stitching
  

• Artists i like and enjoy their work
  

What I do like: color (usually I am obsessing about one color- current obsession is orange), art marks to the point of damaging the paper (and then, let’s fix it with masking tape or collage), worn, a little grungy, vintage, abstract, polka dots, sun faded, unique, unexpected. Collage, layers, soft edges. Words.

The other things that make up a creative voice is our personal process. This inner voice that comes from our specific choices. The choices you make = individual style.

Our choices come from:

• Personal experience- what i like, or don’t like

• Technical expertise - am i knowledgable?

• Epiphanies as i play or happy accidents- things that just worked out and this is why it is important to experiment, try things, and ask myself- why not? and then i go ahead and do just that.

• Looking back at old work and discovering suggestions; don’t keep working the piece to death. Play and then be done; even to the point where it may feel unfinished. I probably feel that way looking back, and it is important to look back at where I have been, to know how far I have come along the way. Taking note of these improvements can help me keep things moving forward- things i would do differently (or try to do differently.) I have to know when I have not gone far enough, or I am on the verge of going too far- cuz you know I would have crossed that line at some point. But is important for me to know and understand when I may need to stop and allow the piece to sit. Maybe even overnight and then come back to it with fresh eyes.

Early on in my art journey, I had some ideas of what I liked but lacked the technical knowledge/ expertise and experience. I had to know the rules first before I could choose when break them. That is why learning and playing; trying new things and hearing the key foundational art elements stated in different ways is so important. Sometimes it took the concepts being explained to me in many different ways (several teachers later), before it clicked into place. Knowing what works and what doesn’t work was important and helpful when I was looking for my voice. Good foundational art knowledge and understanding is key and then, practice and play.

I would find my voice by playing. There would be portion of the play I would like and probably a large portion that was simply a hot mess; but at the end of the day, I always have a good time and my hands were probably coated with paint or sticky with glue or a layer of matte medium.

Painty/ gluey hands = happiness (at least for me anyway)

Play, mixed with knowledge and experience (of how our supplies work and what to expect) can build a voice. A discovery. And our own self-awareness. So when we are working on larger projects, or pieces that we are going to sell or give as gifts, will be successful. And when I say successful, I still mean to me. At the end of the day, I have to love it before anything can leave.

When we are new, or inexperienced, it is easy to get caught in trends or styles…. But that can lead to our voices being muffled. It can also sometimes lead to “copy cat” syndrome and dissatisfaction. Take the class or lesson, and adapt it to fit you. Take a piece or portion of what is being taught, and fit it into how you play. What is your voice telling you to do? It is ok if the whisper is too soft and you can’t hear it- keep going, learning. At some point, the voice will be louder and will tell you. And you will be on your way. 

To start, play with a single color and some cheap paper. Just listen to your voice reaction…. What do you want to do next? What would you like to try? A mark? Another color? If you started with acrylic paint, try a spray ink next in an analogous color. Do what you feel first- really listen. And no judging. We are here to play. And learn. Keep going.

And don’t worry if this is a bit of a mess…..we are playing and nothing is ever perfect. Look for something you like. Usually there will be one really good part you like. 

One way to make time to play is do a challenge. The 100 day project kicked off on Wednesday, 2/22. Are you playing? Challenges can lead to encouragement and accountability. But, I have to say, there was a huge weight lifted when the day came and went and I didn’t say I was going to play. Huge relief. I am simply going to continue to do my thing. Create. Play. Share. 

The other thing I thought I would mention is that sometimes I also hear people say, well I get bored only doing one thing. Let me share a list of what I have tried- lean into this. It is still about choices you are making. Your style can still come through. 

Topics/ mediums I have tried- some are still mixed in when they are within arms reach….

• Acrylics

• Watercolor 

• Drawing/ sketching

• Pastels

• Gouache 

• Inks

• Mixed media

• Spray paint

• Stamps and stencils

• Printing

• Carving

• Collage

• Life drawing

• Intuitive art

• Art journaling

• Armature

• Clay

• Weaving

• Eco dying

• Cyanotype 

• Stitching/ hand sewing

• Sewing

• Book making

• Fabric bowls (and aren’t these just the BEST?!)

We may need to continue this conversation….. but let’s start with this and see where we land.

Have questions? Let’s visit.

xo. kristin