'Shapes and Figures' by Ed T. ©
Another entry in my endless series of sketchbook drawings; this one also is from several ago. It stuck out to me because I like the contrast between the large abstract colorful shapes and the figures and line drawings. I have always wavered between total abstraction and figurative abstraction in my drawing style. I really like the look of combining the figurative elements over a piece that might seem like it was meant as a total non-objective abstract image. Although this quote from Helen Frankenthaler is talking about learning new materials, it can be applied to combining different styles I think.
"Whatever the medium, there is the difficulty, challenge, fascination and often productive clumsiness of learning a new method: the wonderful puzzles and problems of translating with new materials." - Helen Frankenthaler
I like her use of the word translating. Translating what exactly? One's personal creative essence? One's artistic developed style? One's method of creative process? All of that and more I imagine. I am not one that is too big on academic method in artistic creation; of course knowing traditional techniques gives you a good foundation, but I am more impressed with raw creative ideas and passion for the work. And then whatever method or materials you choose to work with, the passion will come out in the work.
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4 comments:
I, too, prefer works with some abstract and some representational elements. That contrast of styles gives the viewer something to try to resolve, which means they are more engaged.
I agree that creative ideas and passion must fuel the work for it to have a life of it's own. Having mastery of different styles and techniques gives you a larger arsenal with which to express that passion. but is just a means to an end.
Do you find it easier to express yourself in your sketchbook drawings or in more planned or intentional pieces? I know many artists who feel their best work is that which is in their journals or sketchbooks and wonder why they can't get that free expression as easily in larger, more "serious" pieces...
Like the painting--makes me think of Miro...until I think about it...but, then, no, I still think of Miro...maybe I just really, really like Miro....
Anyway, I like the "translating," too--perhaps that's what all art, all expression is? As Lou Reed said--yeah, quoting Lou Reed on my own blog all the time is not enough, so I'm doing it on yours, too--"between thought and expression, lies a lifetime....." (now maybe I'll go into the archive to see if I can find a good place to drop a Whitman, Dylan, or Krishnamurti quote....)
this is fabulous, and oddly made me want to dive into painting what I feel, not what I see
Yes, I really like it. Mixing bright colour with seemingly random textures/tones really works for you.
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