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October 29, 2008
Zen: the most lucid canvas primer
All artists can admit to have experienced pangs of creativity-block at some point in time. Personally, I have found myself to have difficulty cranking out different pieces week after week when put on a rigid art class assignment schedule. In my high school drawing and painting courses we were required to complete weekly drawings for in-class critiques, along with bi-monthly perfected works of art. I find it difficult to be inspired upon command - especially when assigned topics or "themes" in which I had little or no control. Tossing in other school commitments, exams, meetings, and after-school activities, my designated “creative time” was pushed back in disarray to some time frame between 1 and 3am.
I stumbled upon a web entry that addresses this issue that plagues artists, both young and old. The key to artistic inspiration and creativity-block lies in the way in which you prime your mental canvas. Here are some tips to help you dispose of last month's stash of Gesso:
Have an attitude of low expectations and nothing to lose. Try to make deliberate, thoughtful, rhythmic movements. While not necessarily alone, be solitary. Allow yourself to dream, flow and indulge your fancies. Be philosophic about your weaknesses and creative faults. Let your tools and your media do the talking. Let your work tell you what it needs. Let yourself yin and yang between thought and no thought. Accept imperfection. Try for the spirit of attaining. Teach yourself to teach yourself as you go. Be in the now, but look gently ahead. Be not lazy in your relaxation.(excerpt extracted from “The Art of Zen”)
Adding a splash of Zen to your artistic processes will allow you to expand your mind towards realization – which will also clear your clogged creative arteries. The practice of Zen in itself emphasizes the practice of dharma and experiential wisdom,working towards the ultimate goal of realization.
शांति
Karen Rockwood
Posted by rockwood at October 29, 2008 04:18 PM