For me, the process of creating is far more important than the creation itself. 

 

There are two different methods of creating art that I tend to use often and interchangeably.

One way is creating with a focus on technique and skill. I create an image based on my own photography, still life or landscape. I’m focusing on trying to get the proportions, perspective, and value to match what I see. There are endless techniques and mediums to achieve the desired results. 

 

Therein lies the fun. 

 

How do the different mediums capture light? What textures do they produce? How many times do I have to paint and erase a line to get it just right? 

 

I use the lessons I acquire from practicing to capture what I see before me for my second method of creating: Capturing what I can’t see within me. I am faced with a blank canvas or paper. I have no idea what I am going to create. I begin by choosing what I am creating on. Watercolor paper, mixed media board, recycled painting, canvas, cardboard, handmade paper? Big, really big, small or irregular? Whatever I’m in the mood for. Sometimes, whatever’s closest. 

 

The type of paper or canvas influences the mediums used. Thin paper cannot handle very wet paint. Thin paint can’t penetrate certain surfaces. 

 

Once I have my set-up with the materials chosen, I get to work. The first mark determines the second and so forth. I follow my instincts and begin exploring. I don’t know where I’m going. My hands seem to remember certain patterns and motions. Certain textures and results. Sometimes it feels like handwriting. I’m writing a book with no words. Some people can read it, some people cannot. It is a different book for everyone. 

 

This process is freeing. It is fun. It is experimental, creative, and explorative. It is healing. It is meditative and spiritual. It is necessary.