Wednesday, April 28, 2010

The "Zones" Of My Life





Creating art is an interesting thing for me. It is a process of sliding into the creative zone without planning it and finding yourself joyously creating. But if I have to do a commission work or I have to create on demand, I am sometimes dead in the water fairly quickly into the process and have to push myself to create...and usually this is in the dreaded twilight zone. I can still turn something out --- but with extreme difficulty. But if I slip into the creative zone the finished product might not be a masterpiece but the point is, how did I feel when I was creating it?? That's the creative question I ask myself. If it was fun and enjoyable and the outcome was pleasing then I have been in the creative zone--which is also outside of any time zone.
These two paintings above started off as just some calligraphy on 6x6 scrapbook pieces of paper that came in an order as a freebie. I was actually thinking about tossing them into the scrap bin (and the trash bin crossed my mind too) probably to be lost forever and never used since the paper was rather uninteresting. I wrote the calligraphy (again, no plan) and then started to do some doodle flowers around it and then ended with...having fun! Isn't that the goal of our art anyway...having fun...the journey is the destination...and all that rigamarole??? How many of us are making thousands with our wonderful art anyway (or hundreds...or even just a few dollars??)
Well, some of you are but for me...I might as well have some fun!

16 comments:

Unknown said...

GREAT Creative Post, Sooo sOOO True, Just wanted to let you know I received your necklace. Love it!!!
Thanks again, I had a link to you in my previous post with a picture of necklace, Many Blessing, Deborah

Colleen - the AmAzINg Mrs. B said...

Yes, you said it all..fun! And you ended up with 2 beautiful pieces to boot! What can be better??

Sharon Tomlinson said...

Jeepers I know all those zones so well. Loved this post. None of my zones have clocks, now that I think of it. Which absolutely does mean that most of the time I am "outside of any time zone".

Buffy said...

I love this,love the colors.Beautiful. And I know what you mean about commisioned pieces. I just finished something for somebody,it sat there for two weeks,my mind just went blank. I much rather do art for fun,although I do like to make alittle something sometimes.

Pat said...

This post really spoke to me, as I often say when I have to create for someone else, the joy is gone, as well as my best work. I prefer to make art and hope someone loves it and wants to make it their own after I had the fun of making it.

Teresa aka Tess said...

Your doddles are masterpieces. I love this post and the artwork. You've said a lot here to inspire others, a tutorial of sorts. The colors here are so vibrant, I couldn't not smile when I looked at the pieces. Now aren't you glad you sisn't just toss those little freebie pieces?! :)

Janie Husband said...

You are right on about having fun, Martha...and about making money from your art,I used to years ago when I did oils....now at my age it is all about fun and doing what makes me happy...

I love the flowers and colors....It is the season for blooming!!!!

Eden said...

I really enjoyed your writing about your creative process and the CREATIVE ZONE! That's a wonderful place to be :D Love your letters and the flowers you drew here!!

margie Phillips said...

You have turned an ordinary paper into an extraordinary work of art. Your post was very insightful and gave me something to ponder this morning.

As always thanks so much for sharing.

Cori Lynn Berg said...

Wow.. both of these are stunning!

Marthann's Musings said...

Oh Martha, I love your post. I know exactly how you feel. Sometimes the creative spirit just isn't there but we have to trudge through anyway. I love when my art can just be using the gift given to me by God. Love the pieces, sometimes the best work if that which we are just playing.
Amazing both of them.

Createology said...

Nothing is beyond art! As artists we know to use absolutely everything. Happy creating...

Mary said...

So true. I think that is why I am really liking this graffiti style. There is freedom to just get the paint down in any ole way. And I am finding I get stifled if I have to much of a particular outcome in mind. I also cannot duplicate my own paintings very well. They do not come out the same the second time around.

Diane said...

I love when that creative flow gets going--like your doodling. You just did it and look what appeared--I LOVE IT!! A. Idol is going to be tough--I thought they were all good!!

Kathryn Zbrzezny said...

What an incredible post, Martha. I just love your words on creativity.

Anonymous said...

Martha I completely concur! When I was doing commissions a few years ago...I would seize up and have more nerves than I cared to feel....but when I make art for myself, creating what might take my fancy...there is such a soothing calm that overcomes me....I am in a great 'zone'...
it must really be the same for all artists out there!

your pages are wonderful...the outcome and the process was well worth your invested time! well done!

talent just drips off of your fingertips! lol

off to read your latest post!
ciao bella
Creative Carmelina

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