Thoughts On Process
‘Reverb’ - digital collage on aluminium
The artist’s process becomes part of the value and story of their works. This is a new experience for me…
In my performing arts years, the performance, at the end of months of rehearsal, was revered. It was that shining, north star of the ultimate performance that provided motivation, but also a feeling of impatience. I sustained a longing to be in the moment ahead on the stage rather than in the long hours of process in the rehearsal studio. In hindsight, a painful existence.
In many corners of capitalism, there is no culture of process, no telling of the weeks, months, and years of process it takes to get to the final product, the published book, the exhibition, the fashion line, the new software.
Now, as an emerging commercial artist, I am without the stories of process to look up to, to support my making process, and avoid feeling like I’m working in a vacuum.
This experience requires me to lean on my small business experience to:
reinvigorate my collaboration and networking muscles in order to seek input, and advice into my work.
slowly defrost my post-pandemic social muscles and reach out to experts in the art industry to ask their advice on getting my work to a completed object (how it’s framed, hung etc).
plod and be consistent in small ways*
educate myself on the thousands of paths others have taken before me
realise that making is also a private exploration.
honour this introversion/extroversion balancing act that is building something new.
That, contrary to the press, creating requires time. And patience.
To be continued…
Till next week,
Rachel
