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?  

What do ARTISTS care about and think about when they make art?

Artists respond to what's going on in the WORLD,  just like you!

How do you respond to your life?

*You make a birthday or get well card for someone special.

*You draw a picture of your home, a dream you had or maybe your family.

*You might paint a picture of your feelings if you are mad, joyful or upset.

*You make a poster to help raise money for a charity.


There have been some events that have happened in the St. Louis area and around the world where artists have responded. Some of these events have made people angry and sad.  Artists came out to make things better.  Artists found a way to speak for the community.  Artists found a way to respond and express how they were feeling.  Artists found ways to try and bring people together.

 
WHAT DO ARTISTS CARE ABOUT AND THINK ABOUT WHEN THEY MAKE ART?


They care and  think about making ART that communicates:

Keith Haring

*Artists make us ask ourselves if we are standing up for injustice, standing up for what we believe in,  or  standing up for others.

 Banksy
"There is always hope"
*Banksy's stenciled works are controversial.  Some people think they are awesome and some people think they are vandalism.  When people disagree in this way, we can say something is controversial.  They often show up as a response to political events or injustices, usually something we might see or read about in the news.

They care and think about making ART that speaks for our community:
*Protest v. Riot.  There is a difference.

Google images - South Grand and Ferguson Murals
*Artists came together and this helped to bring people of the St. Louis community together--this gave signs of hope to the world.  Artists worked towards helping the city heal.

They care and think about making ART that helps us empathize: 

Ai Wei Wei
*What does empathy mean?  Thousands of life vests represent Syrian refugees.

They care and think about making ART that calls us to take action:

Shepard Fairey
*Art can have a visual or written message that invites us to react.

They care and think about making ART that informs us:  

El Anatsui
*Art can teach us.  "draw connections between consumption, waste, and the environment"

They care and think about making ART as a response: 

Pablo Picasso

*Reacting to war, Picasso put his thoughts and feelings into his work.

JR

*"I wish for you to stand up for what you care about by participating in a global art project, and together we'll turn the world...INSIDE OUT."   The concept of the project is to give everyone the opportunity to share their portrait and a statement of what they stand for, with the world. 

– JR, TED2011

--large format street "pastings"



What do you respond to? What do you care about and think about when you make art?  How will what you feel strongly about show up in your artwork?  

ATC

Artist Trading Cards

Meramec Artists have the choice to participate in an Artist Trading Card Swap hosted by Minimatisse.  

Opening the Fibers Studio

What is Fibers?  Let's find out.

Fibers Studio