Sometimes I would throw away an idea or dismiss a painting or drawing just because it didn't go with the "current series". Us artist can do this a lot. We sometimes dismiss an idea that comes to us because it is irrelevant to an ongoing theme that we have been working on.
Lately, I have been trying to free myself from the pressure of trying to make something that matches the current theme of my work. I am trying to allow myself to take little sidetracks and be curious about certain ideas, because that is what the creative process is all about. Right? Exploring? ...
And you know what? I have found that it is now helping me develop as an artist and even helping work out problems I was experiencing with those longer projects and series I am working on.
I encourage every artist to allow themselves to explore their curiosity about something even if it seems irrelevant at first, whether it be a medium, material or subject matter.
How I do my Studio Challenge:
I make a piece each time I am in the studio with whatever material I feel, and I focus on whichever subject matter I feel like at the time. Sometimes it is a portrait I saw on Instagram or a technique the piques my interest. Basically…I scratch that itch.
Every once in a while I will just cut and prep a batch of paper or canvas and put aside, so that it is easily accessible when starting a Studio Challenge for the day.
Some pieces I work on throughout the day, in between breaks on a larger piece. Some may take just an hour or two, some may take 5. Whatever it is, I try not to force it. Some even sit for a day or so before I figure out how to finish them.
Not every piece created in the "Studio Challenge" is put up on the website for sale. Only the favorites go up.
All "Studio Challenge" pieces are the same price, no matter how long the process took or how large the piece ended up being.
This is an ongoing challenge so be sure to check in to see if there are new ones posted!
If you find this helpful and would like to try it out too, let me know how it works for you and tag me in instagram with #birdsstudiochallenge because I would love to see what your curiousity brings you.
