Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Listening to Yourself

                                                           open windows 1997
How many times I hear
the soft whispering of new-
try this, or what if..
'No, no one is doing that!'
I think.
'Thats because you should do it!'
my muse smirks.
Stuffed to the Gills 1989
There have been many times when I started or tried a new technique, only to abandon it. Later, and sometimes years later- it became trendy! For example, back in the 80's I did several pieces that were totally free applique- free edge applique. I was told children love my work. This was not taken seriously. It's taken so many years and even now I find it hard to let go and let myself try unusual approaches- even in this era of free experimentation. So my artistic goal this year, well one, will be to do just that and see where it leads. GO FOR IT!
                                                               purple connections 1988

13 comments:

Carolyn Abramofsky said...

I love these. I particularly like purple connections.

Robin said...

When we abandon an idea only to find someone else has made it popular later, reinforces in my mind that I AM TALENTED but maybe a bit timid about sending my talents into the world. It frustrates me at the time but I know I will other new ideas and just need to push myself to get out there more.
Keep pushing, Wen!

Rosemary@semo.net said...

Your Open Windows, and the poem below it, are wonderful. Keep asking that question! Rosemary

Diana Parkes said...

There are just as many ways of not doing things, as there are of doing things.

Lorri Lee Chambers said...

Dear Wen

love the work you did earlier I am at the stage you were I am creating work trying different techniques to find my voice...but everything comes back to one that makes me most happy and that is as i call it rough hand sewn raw edge applique I love the look and texture...but is it exceptable as artistic endeavour as my "Voice" we all struggle...it is what allows us to grow

Cate Rose said...

I guess it's all relative, Wen...I think your current work is so free and loose, and I really admire that!

Margaret Cooter said...

"The voice" is there right from the start - but at that point it's just one of many voices trying to be heard ... it gets louder and stronger!

Susan Schwake said...

just goes to show wen - children always know best!

Deborah said...

You are so right, sometimes we need to trust ourselves more. Your work is great!

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ParisMaddy said...

Love these thoughts and your "experience of trusting" your inner voice. It's easy for me to "lose" my voice but it never really gets lost, does it? It's in there patiently waiting to be reborn and set free. If I only trusted my first impulse, the original thought ripples of creation, and let them grow exactly as they arise. Cheers to your voice and your art in 2010!

Wen said...

Thank you Paris!

tess stieben said...

I love the words "I was told children love my work", because if children love it today, they will love it tomorrow when they are the consumers with money to buy art. My biggest breakthrough was due to a child who stood entranced viewing one of my paintings for about 20 minutes before I was able to go talk with her. Her words "it's so alive" was the highlight of my show opening. At eight years of age this child held innocent wisdom beyond my years, which to me is a blessing.

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