Workday-your artistic process

Last week, we talked about how artists are inspired by the world around them.  We looked at the big question, WHAT DO ARTISTS CARE AND THINK ABOUT WHEN THEY MAKE ART? Artists react and respond to their life, their community and the world.

What happens when you are not responding, not motivated, or not inspired to create artwork?  It can be frustrating.  

Right now, as an artist, I am stuck.  I have a small studio in my attic where I make jewelry and right now, I don't even feel like going up to my studio. 

What I have done in the past when I get stuck, I look at images of work by other artists, go for a walk, talk to my artist friends or purchase new supplies.  Sometimes just cleaning my studio can give me new perspective.  Some artists need a deadline or due date to be motivated. 

Think about how you get started on your art.  I imagine at times, you have such strong ideas that it is easy to get started and you are able to do so quickly.  
At other times, the process to get started can take time. Waiting a week between art classes may challenge you when it comes to getting back into your work

Pay attention to some of the strategies Julie Mehretu (mair-eh-two) uses to get started on her art.



Accomplished artists can have a hard time getting started or re-started on their work.  

What did artist Julie Mehretu do to get back to work into her art?

*She works with other people (assitants)
*She puts herself at the studio everyday (sometimes just being there inspiration will come)
*She continues to look at her work (keep looking, something might catch your eye)

What do you do when you art STUCK or don't feel INSPIRED?


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Artist Chuck Close said:

"Don't sit around and wait for inspiration; just sit down and get to work."

Chuck Close at work in his studio.  Chuck Close works in a large scale making portraits of his family and friends.  He believes in working everyday even if it means cleaning the studio--ideas and inspiration can come while being in the studio space.

*What tool is Chuck Close using to create this portrait of Fanny --His wife's grandmother.

Chuck Close is working from the  ____________ to the ___________.

Today,  this is how Chuck Close works!

Chuck Close suffered an aneurysm, a health issue in his spine which left him paralyzed.   Chuck used his art as therapy to help him recover and get strong enough to paint.  Today he paints with the assistance of an arm brace and a mechanical system that raises and lowers his large canvases.  *For some this may ended their art career or caused them to give up.

If you don't feel inspired or feel stuck on a work of art; 

could you explore materials?

work with colors?

 or even organize and clean.

What strategies will you use to stay motivated?  What are some strategies you can keep in mind for when you feel stuck?