Friday, December 13, 2013

Dazzle Me! 1

Over at her Cloth Company blog, Dee Mallon moderated an interesting discussion about art and process the other day (here), about creative approaches--planned vs. improvisational or a mix. She got me to thinking so I tossed in my two-bits worth: 

"The day I had something to say was the day I finally got it together as an artist (first Gulf War, as a matter of fact). So obviously, most of my work is gut-wrenching, idea-driven. That being said, I plan very little and the process unfolds as I go. Here’s the thing: I expect to be dazzled. The final piece will go far beyond my wildest imaginings and that’s what I love. Dazzle me! (Why would I do it if I knew how it was going to look???) For this to happen, however, most of my work is over a long period of time, which allows me to discover so many things about process. I gave up counting time (and money) long ago. Just dazzle me!"

Ok, sometimes things don't work out so well, but, I've been at this long enough to know that generally, the art work will speak to me at the end and I will be surprised, delighted, and especially dazzled. My feeling is always of wonder: "Oh my gosh, I had no idea I could do this" despite the terrible issues that drive my work, the scream from the guts.

Dee found the idea of "Dazzle me!" to be novel, which surprised me (I thought everybody saw creative process this way) and made me realize that this has been formulating someplace in the back of my mind for awhile.

So there it is. I'm glad I finally figured this out. Some people pick a new word for the coming year. Mine's for a lifetime. Dazzle me!

Linked to Nina Marie's "Off the Wall Friday."

12 comments:

Mo Crow said...

Oh yes! the wonder & amazement of your process is dazzling Nadia! You are very brave you tackle the big issues boldly and live in a wild place on earth to boot!

Julierose said...

What a wonderful mantra to have! Sometimes, I think I use patterns because I have no art training and am afraid that the work will flop or I'll really think it stinks (!), But I guess it's like a piano performance, sometimes you play better than you thought and then...well we won't talk about those times...hugs and thanks, Julierose

The Idaho Beauty said...

I think that may be what I'm after too, since I can work on something over long periods, each step speaking to me and pulling me along down unexpected paths. Rarely do I have a full-formed idea and actually execute it as imagined. But I had never thought of it as me looking to be dazzled. Now I know that it is. I don't care how much others may be dazzled by what I do (some seem easily dazzled!), I have to be dazzled too.

Linda M said...

How perfect, I love the whole concept and your work is dazzling.

The Inside Stori said...

OH I agree...your piece is dazzling.......As always I'm blown away by your patience!!

LA Paylor said...

your explained your process so clearly. Keep dazzling us, this is really beautiful. The color and movement is exciting to see
LeeAnna Paylor
leeannaquilts@gmail.com

sonja said...

very well stated as process is different from person to person thou this style is close to my approach. you had me at Why bother to make it if I already know what it already what it looks like ?
indeed.
dazzle on!

Teresa Duryea Wong said...

I love this idea. I am always dazzled... I rarely have a plan. In art this works... in other areas not so much. But I love the way you have captured this concept. Well said.

Norma Schlager said...

I am always dazzled by your work such as this one.

Regina B Dunn said...

I love the idea of going for it and letting the spirit come out and dazzle.

Amy Art Quilter & Fyber Cafe said...

very dazzling! I dreamed a challenge quilt one time, down to the stitching and the fabric. It took all the fun out of it, no surprises, no improve, I got it done, and I really like it, but it wasn't much fun to work on.

cinzia said...

Great way to describe the creative process. I try to work this way too. Dazzle me! I love that!