Artful Thoughts

   If you listen to established and experienced artists, the majority of them seem to say something along the lines of...the art you create has meaning, means something, and is often driven by the artists feelings. They want to know, why? What is the reason for doing this or that, and most importantly what are you trying to say with the piece? I don't think I've hit the nail on the head with this discription...but I think you can catch my point. 

   I dont know...for me its hard to answer those questions...I don't think I operate on that kind of level. I know my feelings and experiences alter and affect what I do...but I don't think it is in the typical way...and I think I am just now coming to that realization, and I still don't have a complete answer.  I know that I can say, as an artist, I take things literally. I am literal. Yes, I know this, it is a fact. But that does not mean that is all I am, but I believe it is one of my defining characteristics as an artist. If I am told to draw a word out of a cup, openly interpret it, and use it as a starting point for a series of paintings...say I draw "vegetable"...then the first thing that comes to my mind would be something like...painting a vegetable laying in a hospital bed. But of course...I am told that is to literal. 

  I actually find it weird that my feelings and emotions don't more directly dictate what I paint or create...perhaps I keep the two sides separate? Sure I can wip out a brush, some black paint, and a canvas and go to town after having a fight with my boyfriend...but that is not my driving factor...at least not at this point in time. I feel like I can make this observation because I am currently going through some really intense personal crap, but I still don't feel like it is weighing what so ever on the things I am creating in my studio. And it feels odd to know this...to recognize it. Like something is wrong with me. Hmm...well these ideas deserve more thoughts and analysis...so there will be more to come.