I asked to be guinea-pig for this as we worked through this idea, using a planned project of mine as an example.  As PHASE ONE of the challenge I was asked to identify four areas that needed to be addressed in order for me to produce this piece of work.  So I decided, ONE: was Texture.  I knew I wanted this piece to be on a textured background.   TWO: was Technique – I wanted to check out other artist’s work first for inspiration and ideas on ‘how-to’.  THREE: was Zone – it is important for me to be in the right Zone when I am working to operate at maximum potential.  And FOUR: was that I wanted this piece to be a tool.  Something I can use to help further my artistic career.  I want it to be something I can use partly as a marketing device or an advert.

PHASE TWO was to take part ONE and FOUR and ask myself what I envisaged the outcome would be of combining those two elements.  I identified that as being A: Visual Interest.  Then I was asked to combine part TWO and THREE and do the same.  I identified that as being B: Achievement.  I was then asked to combine both A & B (Visual interest and Achievement) and ask myself what outcome I envisaged that would bring me.  I came up with RECOGNITION – a reputation in the art world.  Adrian then suggested that is was that ‘Recognition’ which is my primary motive for my commission!  I don’t think I could argue with that. Interestingly, he made the point that as long as we are thinking about creating our ‘Masterpiece’ – we ain’t going to do it.  He said we need to just enjoy the process.  I guess the difference is that if I am attached to the outcome I am opperating from a place within the ego, yet if I just enjoy the process, I can only do that if I am in the moment – and that is where greatness lies!  I am creating a masterpiece of every moment.  Not some future projection which may or may not be a masterpiece based on my or other people’s egoic interpretation of it!  Does anyone understand what I am saying?  I think I do, but sometimes you can’t put words on these things.  Whhhhooooooooooo – Deep!!  I think the whole message behind the workshop was that if you can induce good feelings in other people by attaching your product onto them, then there’s a high probability you are on to a winner.

Any-hoo, shortly afterwards I got started and thus far I have laid the ground and come-up with the subject matter for my piece which I felt strongly should be an exploration of Mother/Child bonds.  What better relationship to explore than that with my own daughter, which I understand better than most others (although not entirely – and probably never will!).  I am looking forward to getting into the emotion of this project.  It has being a stressful week so far concerning situations regarding the future of my daughter’s schooling and in-turn our family life.  It is times like now that I look at her in wonderment, and despite her being almost 11 now I realise she has vulnerabilities and an inherent childishness.  This is not a criticism but an ackowledgement that she is still only a child, and we (myself and society at large) often expect too much from them sometimes.  She is still little!

Prepared textured ground and image transfered. (Wall texture on MDF, painted with raw umber/black acrylic.

Sunshine Girl by my 10 Year Old Daughter.

It’s been so cold for too long now (brr rr rr rr!), and although the snow has been lovely I’m starting to look forward to the warmer weather and brighter evenings.  To help set us on our merry way I have added this very optimistic looking painting made by my 10 year old daughter.  It’s been a really enjoyable experience to watch her create this.  I have given her some guidance (and a little help with the stencils) but it is otherwise all her own ideas and work. I’ve seen her go through a creative process which I know she has gained value from.  She’s used layers and collage, and new materials/techniques she’s never employed before and it’s been a journey of discovery for her.   She said to me “It’s really interesting, because if I do this……….then I’ll get ….(that).  And if I do……(blargh) ……then I’ll get (the other)!”  I could see the proverbial cogs whirring round.  She’s another creative soul and it has been a treat to really see her get engaged in a project.  She has even managed to get a buyer for it within a few hours of completing it!!  Her Dad wants to buy it for his new flat.  (We are separate.)  It helps that we have this office space for my studio, and it is somewhere to come with a specific purpose.  She loves coming here and said the other day that she wishes we could live here!!  I don’t know how long we will have it for though, as it was only meant to be temporary while we sell and move house.  I think having a separate studio/office from home has many benefits but it certainly has drawbacks too, which I am still adjusting to.  I want it both ways, ha ha!!!!!

Happy to have been able to share this with her and you!  She loves Manga/Anime art work and I believe you can see its influence here.  For more of her work see her Kid Manga website.