“When we engage in what we are naturally suited to do, our work takes on the quality of play and it is play that stimulates creativity.”
Linda Naiman
I think I could be the number 1 card carrier for the need to have play time in the studio. I started out thinking that if I wanted to take my art seriously, then I needed to get in there and do things seriously. Sit down and write out perfect letters; make sure that every mark counted and went in the right place.
As I have gone along it has become abundantly clear to me that in fact, in order to get better at your art, you need to practise yes; but also to play.
The amazing things that can appear from a session or two of 'what if?', and "I'd like to try that' can set you on a new course; add that extra element to work you already do or simply break through a time of feeling stymied, and offer you new ways forward.
By allowing yourself the freedom to simply explore, muck around, play and discover you can mostly leave behind the little critic who sits on your shoulder telling you that what you are doing isn't good enough. There's no role for the critic in play-time (except of course to tell you to stop wasting your time, which it sometimes does) and as a result, your creativity can just get on with it.
I don't think that play time is ever wasted; the opportunities it affords pop up in your work time and time again down the track.
These are the results of some play time a while ago. I was wondering if you could print on fabric; with fabric etc etc. and then, could you use scraps in small collages and....
I had a great time and the lessons from this play time are still appearing in work - today, there I was in the studio preparing to print onto fabric.
The gorgeous blues also indicate that it's that time again when we try to find the colours of the rainbow (Roy G Biv) and beyond. Touch base with Jennifer and Julie to see who else has got the gorgeous blues this month
Linda Naiman
I think I could be the number 1 card carrier for the need to have play time in the studio. I started out thinking that if I wanted to take my art seriously, then I needed to get in there and do things seriously. Sit down and write out perfect letters; make sure that every mark counted and went in the right place.
As I have gone along it has become abundantly clear to me that in fact, in order to get better at your art, you need to practise yes; but also to play.
The amazing things that can appear from a session or two of 'what if?', and "I'd like to try that' can set you on a new course; add that extra element to work you already do or simply break through a time of feeling stymied, and offer you new ways forward.
By allowing yourself the freedom to simply explore, muck around, play and discover you can mostly leave behind the little critic who sits on your shoulder telling you that what you are doing isn't good enough. There's no role for the critic in play-time (except of course to tell you to stop wasting your time, which it sometimes does) and as a result, your creativity can just get on with it.
I don't think that play time is ever wasted; the opportunities it affords pop up in your work time and time again down the track.
These are the results of some play time a while ago. I was wondering if you could print on fabric; with fabric etc etc. and then, could you use scraps in small collages and....
I had a great time and the lessons from this play time are still appearing in work - today, there I was in the studio preparing to print onto fabric.
The gorgeous blues also indicate that it's that time again when we try to find the colours of the rainbow (Roy G Biv) and beyond. Touch base with Jennifer and Julie to see who else has got the gorgeous blues this month
Hi Fiona--another thoughtful pondering ....and making remember that I need some studio play time! Thanks for your contribution this month.- Julie
ReplyDeleteAh Julie - studio play-time is priceless, and it's good for us to be reminded every now and again... Go well.
DeleteInsightful as always. As kids we just simply played because that's what kids do. As adults, we seem to need permission to play sans guilt at wasting our time. Shame, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteMost of my best ideas are a result of playing in the studio. These days asking what if and just following wherever the question leads is an integral part of my creative process. Took a long time to get there though.
It IS such a shame Jennifer! But it is wonderful that you have made it integral to your practice; we all need some time just to playfully explore without judgement. Gow ell.
Deleteoh, that critic...ok, now, LEAP! fly into that tiny pile of cloth and enjoy.
ReplyDeleteOh yeah Velma, that critic! 'Tis good to submit to the play-goddess I think.
DeleteWhat you say here about play time couldn't be more true. I often have to fight that inner perfectionist critic myself, but if we can just let loose all kinds of new possibilities open up.... love your beautiful printed fabric!
ReplyDeleteSo true Sharmon - if we just give ourselves permission to not be perfect, to just test something, follow it through and explore; we discover might things!
Deletethank you Fiona sometimes I get so involved in the playing that I don't notice my fingertips are bleeding... so this weekend it's time for a little break to let the hands heal and look around at what everyone else is getting up to here in the cyber sea!
ReplyDeleteI love that your play leads you off and far away Mo! Hope your hands are healing as they simply click on keys to search the interweb. Go well.
DeleteThere it is...a beautiful invitation to play! Love that rich, dark, deepest blue!
ReplyDeleteConsider yourself invited to play! Wasn't it an amazing colour that appeared...?
DeleteHear, hear, Fiona! And I love the image you've shown to illustrate the true spirit - and many benefits - of "play"...
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely Lisa! And not a single finished piece amongst them, but such fun and ooh and ahh was had!
DeleteSuch beautiful delicate blue fabric - and illustrating that so-important truth about play, discovery and 'what if?' thank you for your insight, Fiona.
ReplyDeleteThe fabric was perfect for picking up fine details, and inked up beautifully. Playing is so good for the soul...go well.
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