Cultivate Creative Curiosity
I've heard this a lot in recent podcasts, books and articles. More importantly I've been reminding myself to practice "cultivate curious creativity".
Looking at my current body of work in the studio I can see ridged structure and the need to be so precise. Playfulness and loose freedom of the medium is minimized. The want for this single medium to be pushed to limits and work for me seems exhausted.
What happens if I add this, do that, push that back,, bring this forward, or manipulate this part?
Incorporating multiple mediums into works is usually natural to creating. I can see the need to get back to a child-like mindset of (fill in the blank) within my work. See too many words could fill that space to just choose one, and it changes as I look at certain pieces and think of different directions they could take.
Bringing in elements of play and experimental practices is how I came about my style and body of work in the first place. Using unconventional paint application methods are increasingly fun.
For instance, a silicone basting brush from the kitchen section at the dollar store is endless fun on a painting surface. It holds and applies paint in spontaneous ways leaving you guessing in its application. There is something joyful about this experience and the end result. Be it good or bad, it is fun.
Another fun experiment is multiple artists work on a single canvas. However you go about creating it becomes a learning experience with varied results. I am lucky enough to be a part of a solid community of artists and brilliantly talented circle of friends. We criticize and critique, challenge and foster growth in each other's works. I tell you this because cultivating creativity also comes from sources that hold you accountable and encourage growth.
Just writing this entry inspires me to play in the studio with a delightful reckless abandon. I am not sure what will happen, but I know the results are fun and forward progress.
....I encourage you to cultivate a new creative curiosity in your work.