As I approach the final stages of the body of work which I have been focusing on for the past nine months the following quote comes to mind.
“Variety's the very spice of life, that gives it all its flavour.”
― William Cowper (poet)
I am finishing off quite a few of my mixed media boards for this particular series. This means I am tidying up the sides of the panels, sanding the backs ( they can get a little messy with paint) and deciding on what protective final coats I want for each one.
I don’t take these decisions lightly. I make my choices for each piece based on how I want it to look and feel. However, even though it is not prescriptive, this stage can become a little monotonous. It’s not the fun creative stage or the exciting starting stage but it is an important stage.
For that reason I want to give it my full attention, I don’t want to rush. I want each finished piece to be the best that I can make it
Of course there are all sorts of temptations which could distract me. At times I just feel the need to create something messy, or try a new technique or have a day out in nature while the sun is shining.
That’s when I remind myself that it is better to step away and allow myself a little of the variety I crave rather than pushing for the finish line so that I can start something new.
I have learnt from some great mentors the benefits of having variety within our art but more importantly I have come to appreciate the value of variety in our lives. I believe that is what keeps the artist in us motivated and inspired to create. As people it brings us joy and reminds us how wonderful life can be and how very blessed we are to be able to do the things we love. So when I feel myself losing focus or rushing a process I know it is time for me to seek out that variety. So over the last few weeks I have been doing just that.
We decided to head off to Cork in the south of Ireland in our caravan. I managed to visit a couple of art galleries which I always enjoy. I read two books and started a third, spent lots of time on the beautiful beaches and out in nature, had picnics and soaked up the sun, which we were lucky enough to have for the entire week.
Below are some images from our week away, bottom left Youghal beach, centre Bantry House and right colourful Kinsale.
Since returning home we have taken a day trip on the train to the seaside and spent quite a bit of time enjoying our garden.
The beach at Portrush on the north coast of Ireland.
As I ease back into studio life I am allowing myself a little variety there too. The recent sunshine led to some cyanotype prints from feathers gathered on my walks. I also experimented with cyanotypes on painted papers, some were more successful than others.
You can see some examples of my cyanotypes below
I had sold out of some of my older prints which are mounted onto cradle panels and coated in resin, so I took the time to create a few more which will hopefully be added to my shop soon. I am now planning some monotype art cards which I know I will enjoy making.
Prints mounted onto cradle panels and coated in resin.
Alongside these experiments and creations I am continuing to varnish and finish the boards in my current body of work. I am re energised and fully focused on the task ahead.
So if you are feeling little bored with your routine I encourage you to add a little variety into the mix, it really is the spice of life.