QUANTIFY
To measure the quantity of
The bridge between any artistic pursuit, and deciding upon its value , is invariably built upon something that can be measured.
technical skill
comparative value
monetary worth
time
effort
viewer reaction
internal reaction
Are any of these familiar to you?
Frustration arises when we start to look at our own artistic journey. Filled with ups and downs, stops and starts, twists and turns. Progression along the artistic path is almost always a non-linear one.
The issue with quantifying that journey is:
Any measurement of progression is ascribed a level, whether we are conscious of it or not.
The paintings, your efforts. or any perceived value, stand upon a podium in their respective medal place
THE LEVEL
is entirely based upon comparative analysis
(this is better or worse than that)
Okay, its honest introspection time
Think about the last time you were frustrated with your artistic output. It doesn’t have to be a particular piece of work, the frustration could be from your lack of time spent engaged in art, or even an external comment
Why were you frustrated?
hiding behind the frustration and anger of actual reasons:
This painting sucks, I can’t draw hands, my paints are cheap, I have no time
is a
measurement
where you should be, what it looks like, how long it takes, how much it sells for
A.K.A.
COMPARISON
We live in a world of comparison, it is how we have made it this long and the true magic that we as humans perform everyday. Through comparison we have taken the immense amount of visual data that is light reflecting off of atoms and gleaned it down to a world of objects and subjects.
We need comparison
So how do we escape the frustrating buzz kill of comparison in reference to our Artistic journey?
We don’t
Use the tool do not let the tool use you.
Using the tool:
make comparison work on something it loves. Incremental movements. Precise. Ordered
Set up a time ( with an alarm on your phone) whether that be 5 minutes before you get in the shower or three hours every night after dinner, that you will commit to everyday, no matter what life throws at you.
Spend that time focused on a pursuit free from expectations.
I have found that studies, whether contour, gesture, value, or colour, work the best.
Every day, or week or month, actively compare these studies. Be ruthless with them. If they suck, they suck. If awesome, than awesome.
What ends up happening is that the part of our selves that loves to compare has an outlet. We are honing the tool to work for us…
Freeing up time and Energy To be used exploring
