Why I Work in A Series…
I used to make art in my spare time. After my full time job and on weekends when I could find some time. Back then, I had so little creative time that I was thrilled if I could make one piece every couple of months. But, as time moved forward and the kids grew up and moved out, I had more time. I got more serious with my creative endeavors and I had several pieces of art in the works at one time.
Now, I spend time in my studio several days a week. Because I love it and I have a place to exhibit it, as well as a website, I realized that I could work more prolifically in a series. Here’s the main reasons why it works for me.
It saves time because I am using the same color palette whether it is textiles or paint.
It allows me to explore what happens when certain colors are next to each other in a variety of pieces.
I learn a lot about color mixing and relativity - Bright red looks really bright when it’s next to dull green.
It allows me to create a body of work that can exhibit together and shows well in multiples.
When I am not sure what to do with a particular piece as I work, I don’t get stuck - I move on to the next piece.
Creating the limitations of color palette keeps me from over analyzing a situation and I can choose according to what materials I have laid out for myself. This keeps each piece relating to the others.
There’s less pressure to create one masterpiece because there are so many and you never know how each one is going to turn out, so the uncertainty makes each one less precious.
It really keeps me in a flow state. I get moving and everything is at my fingertips. I don’t need to think and the work comes together intuitively.
Here are some examples of pieces of work that are all in the same color palette. Cerulean blue, Quinacridone Nickel Azo Gold, Titan Buff, Black and White. They are in process, which is a nice way to say right now - They stink. But with each paint session some get better and some get worse. One by one they get finished and TADA! a body of work.
I love so many techniques. Mark making, painting, stitching, dyeing fabrics, monoprinting, the list goes on. But each time I work in a series, I try something. Maybe I like it. Maybe I don’t. If I like it, how can I change it so it looks different or repeats but with variety. If I don’t like it, how can I change it? What did I learn when things didn’t go well? I can then immediately apply what I learned to another piece. The rate of improvement is dramatic when you are working in a series. That’s what I’m working toward. Getting better with each and every series.
Do you work in a series? I’d love to hear what you like about it. I’d also like to know what you learn through the process. Feel free to leave a comment or ask a question here. I’ll get back to you after I clean my brushes and get out of the studio.
Happy Creating!
Claude
