This reminds me of the proverbial 90% rule in art (that when you think you're 90% done, you're actually done, lest you futz until you ruin the thing), because I have found that the rule doesn't really apply to me, either. The reflexive, non-ego-associated, almost unconscious futzing that invariably kicks in at the just-beyond-90% point is what gets me to that element of surprise that is necessary for the process to achieve "completion." I'm neither as prolific nor ever as abstract (and marvelously inarticulate!) as you are, but I have enough experience in creating art for this piece and your narrative behind it to resonate.
I never heard of that rule, and feel you’re right about that post-90% point.
Yesterday arrived a shipment of stretcher bars and 30 yards of canvas. I am eager and lightly frightened. Beside the reading chair is a tall stack of books on abstract expressionism and its artists. Joan Mitchell is my current favorite. I hope to achieve that element of surprise without getting lured into the trap of design. We’ll see. I’ll know by June and new spring mornings if I became original again:)
I know basically nothing about abstract expressionist art (almost seems like an oxymoron...) but I look forward to seeing the fruits of your labors, and maybe even taking a stab at ekphrasis in response. 😃
I could never write about a work of art, though I paint words into work from time to time. I think I see images, concepts, dreams in music much more often than I do painting. Usually it’s the music-inspired dreams that end up on the canvas. I should have become a musician (rock and roller) but dislike the practice (and binge drinking).
This reminds me of the proverbial 90% rule in art (that when you think you're 90% done, you're actually done, lest you futz until you ruin the thing), because I have found that the rule doesn't really apply to me, either. The reflexive, non-ego-associated, almost unconscious futzing that invariably kicks in at the just-beyond-90% point is what gets me to that element of surprise that is necessary for the process to achieve "completion." I'm neither as prolific nor ever as abstract (and marvelously inarticulate!) as you are, but I have enough experience in creating art for this piece and your narrative behind it to resonate.
I never heard of that rule, and feel you’re right about that post-90% point.
Yesterday arrived a shipment of stretcher bars and 30 yards of canvas. I am eager and lightly frightened. Beside the reading chair is a tall stack of books on abstract expressionism and its artists. Joan Mitchell is my current favorite. I hope to achieve that element of surprise without getting lured into the trap of design. We’ll see. I’ll know by June and new spring mornings if I became original again:)
Thank you, always thank you for reading!
I know basically nothing about abstract expressionist art (almost seems like an oxymoron...) but I look forward to seeing the fruits of your labors, and maybe even taking a stab at ekphrasis in response. 😃
I learned a new word!
I could never write about a work of art, though I paint words into work from time to time. I think I see images, concepts, dreams in music much more often than I do painting. Usually it’s the music-inspired dreams that end up on the canvas. I should have become a musician (rock and roller) but dislike the practice (and binge drinking).
When will Spring spring!?! Argh!
Sun please!
I really appreciated this post--for my own inarticulate reasons/seasons.
Thank you and we all got 'em😀
Rose is wise!
And it makes me so mad!
Ha! Stephanie doesn’t hesitate to tell me that I can do better. And she’s always right, dammit!