The Creative Process

During a class discussion some time ago, the instructor asked those of us in the class how we got the impetus to make the assignments we turned in that day.  What inspired us to begin?  This was an important question to me and has continued to be so since that day.  I hadn't been aware of any "creative process" happening in my life.  However, there were truths to be understood in the concept and I've thought quite a bit about it since.

To me, the desire to create things is part of who I am, but I don't believe that I'm exclusive in this.  I would guess that most people have creative urges, I'm just lucky enough to know what direction mine take and to have had the chance to rub elbows with others who clearly knew and understood a creative process.  It is a drive that exists inside of my spirit that is powered by energy.  This force builds up until it HAS to be used in some creative way.  

1.  Finding an idea:

Ideas can't be forced.  They have to be given something to grow from; a trip to a gallery, researching what others have done and how they've done it, or a walk in a beautiful place.  Sometimes they happen in a group setting when others are excited and talking about new ideas.  Sometimes, though, they happen in my sleep and I wake up with an idea, complete and bursting to take form!  They take time and working on deadlines can slow down the process.  I can see why some artists don't want to work on commission or try to please a gallery.  It can take the pleasure of the discovery away.  

2. Allowing the idea to ripen:

Time alone to ponder and plan is essential to a successful outcome.  I have set up places around my home that give me peace and solitude and I spend time in them as often as I can.  I am able to be open to the birth of an idea and then to figure out how to solve the problems that come with every new inspiration.  What style will it be in?  What colors best represent what I want to portray?  What medium?  Finally, I come to a point where I know what I want and am ready to begin the work.

3. Work, with total focus:

Once this peaceful, introspective process is through, it is time for action.  Sketches are done to see how  the composition will work, sometimes research is necessary to feel confident in the details and the materials need prepared, including the final drawing on the paper or board. There is so much work to be done to prepare.  The idea that somehow one just picks up the brush and a masterpiece flows out of it is from the movies.

Once the drawing is in place, there's no holding the creative force back.  I paint for hours without realizing how much time is passing.  If the phone rings, I have to be careful not to be rude to my caller for interrupting me.  When the room grows dark and I have trouble seeing, I realize I'm hungry!  How did the day get away from me? I visit with my husband over supper, but pretty soon I'm slipping back to the studio to look at my progress.  I think, "If I were to..." and pick up my brush and pretty soon I'm back into the painting again.  (I'm lucky, I am married to a man who goes through the same creative cycles and doesn't take it personally! Chances are, he's involved in a project of his own.) If I have to leave the piece for a few days, it is very difficult to start again.  It takes extra effort to get that energy and focus back. 

4. Be open to whatever direction the work needs to go:  

Problems arise during the work phase that have to be solved.  If I don't step back and let the answer sift through on it's own, I know I will ruin the painting.  This is something that often has to be allowed to brew.  Taking a walk or calling one of the kids to visit is usually enough time to solve the puzzle and back to work I go.  

5. Know how to begin all over again:

Knowing when to stop is one of the most important steps for me.  If the piece turns out like I had hoped, I am euphoric for days.  I am in love with it, it's the best thing I've ever done; I could never part with it.  I love it like my own child.  However, when I haven't met the mark, I am upset; I obviously have no business wasting so much time and money on something I will never master.  It is very hard to begin again and takes time to build up the energy to develop a new idea.  I hate being subject to such a thing, but I am.  It is so tied up with my emotional life.  It is part of myself.  Allowing myself a short period of time to get back on emotional normal again is essential.  Too long, though and it gets harder to get back to work.  I've come to know when to begin again.  Most times just a day or so is enough, but sometimes as long as a week or two.  For me, any longer than that and I begin to develop a real block.  

For some reason, knowing my own process has been important in my artistic development.  I haven't had the time to puzzle it out, but I know how to keep myself active and growing.  That's enough for now.  

One of my quiet places..