Jumping Through Hoops
A Conversation With Jane Elizabeth Almirall
How Do We Get Where We Are Going
This Week's Quote: Alex Grey
Learn More About Alex Grey and His Art At The Links Below:
A few weeks ago I was lucky to have Jane come to Memphis for a visit and as usual, we had great conversations. I am happy to have been able to record a bit of it. Below are links to info about Jane's essay we discussed, her art & Oracle (the store she founded but has since sold).
You can follow Jane on Instagram @janealmirallart
Jane's Recommended Practices:
This exercise is geared for someone working in 2D, visual art - because that is my area of focus ***but I think you could alter it for other forms of creative expression. I also think it's a good brain exercise for us to work outside of our comfort zones - so maybe try it this way even if it isn't your specific medium?
- Even though the creative process is about discovering your own unique voice and form of expression, I have found it very helpful to make studies of other people's art to help me when I've hit a block in my own practice. Look at your favorite works of art and select one that you want to study. This takes some of the decision making process out of your hands and is a no pressure way to hone your hand-eye coordination and skill set with your materials. I love turning to this whenever I've experienced artist's block but don't want to loose my hand.
- Another little trick that really helped me is to get out of my own way when I've needed to use a visual reference for a piece, is to look at that reference once - and then walk away and try to render it from memory via the filter of my imagination. Let's say you want to draw an octopus, or a monster truck or something you aren't super familiar with...SO, you pull up a photo of this subject/object on your computer (or from a book - for you analog dinosaurs like myself) get a good look at the thing you wish to draw or paint or sculpt - and then don't look at it again. See how much of that thing you can recall without having a visual key to refer to. What details stand out to you? Which shapes take form in your minds eye? This allows you to strengthen your eidetic memory muscles, but also taps into your ability to translate information in a visual way. Don't worry about getting it 'right', instead let your memory show you what bits and pieces were the most important.
Our Playlist:
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Twitter: @artteacheramy
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And you can email me personally: starlingcreativeliving@gmail.com