Tuesday, June 17, 2008

The Process of Creating

I've been thinking a lot lately about the process of art. I am finding that I love the process of creating better than the finished work. Sometimes I disassociate myself from the process once the piece is finished. It's like I didn't create it. Do any of you fellow artists feel the same way? There are times too when I'm finished with a piece that I forget the suffering that was put into it because of all the joy that went into completing it. Let me know of some things you experience while creating.


Here's a picture of my sweet daughter in her new dress that I completed yesterday. She was so excited and proud! The colors in the fabric are so fun! Perfect summer dress for a summery type of girl. I have another fun piece of fabric to sew for her. I can't wait to show it to you!

3 comments:

Teresa Mallen said...

Hi Valerie,

I find that I tend to forget all the hours and/or the struggles that went into a piece once it is finished. Usually it is only by stopping and focusing on one of my finished pieces that I recall the work that went into it.

I enjoy the whole process, whether it is choosing a subject, setting up a still life, executing the drawing, etc.

When I teach I sometimes find that students come in focused on the final outcome. It is wonderful to see them get into the process. Suddenly priorities change and creating can be about trying new techniques and challenging ourselves rather than rushing through to get to the finished product.

Lovely job on the dress! Very summery fabric indeed!!

Jo Castillo said...

Beautiful fabric, dress and daughter. :)

Yes, there are times I see a painting in someone's house or dig one out of storage and I don't recognize it as mine. Weird isn't it? I know I did it, but do not recollect the process at all. I thought it was age, ha.

Kasie @ ~The Art of Life~ said...

What a beautiful dress and a beautiful daughter! I wish so much that I knew how to sew.

I understand exactly what you're saying. Sometimes it takes a few weeks after a piece is finished before I even start to like it. I think I get so involved and nit-picky with it that I can't even see the over-all work.