Sunday 19 February 2012

progress is personal

The idea of progress can loom over you like a spectre.   “Am I getting better?” can - and often is – an unhelpful question because “better” encourages judgement.  It encourages competition between point A and point B.   
Artists tend to get judged by historical summaries: “Here is the work she was doing at Point A” and “here, at point B.”  Then, there is a discussion about improvement, teachers, influences and so on. 
How does A related to B?  Is it a constant straight line?   And what exactly occurs?  That is what isn’t talked about.  We assume that the artist has done a lot of art, but after that, there is an X factor when we just don't know what went on.  
How one improves and evolves is a complete mystery.  The one thing for certain about the process is what I stated before: you keep doing it, and progress can peep out at you at strange times because the process is very personal. 
For example: 
Working without forcing  - means that your energy is improving. 
Drawing symbols that invigorates you - means you are much more connected with the symbol system than usual. 
Putting in detail without strain - means that your focusing more and that you feel like celebrating the symbol more.  
When your heart starts to open, this may not scream "accomplishment" to the world - but it's essential to the process.

6 comments:

  1. Hey Sue-Chan,
    I like this post a lot. Simply because it is so true. It is often said but it is the road that matters, the process. You are on a journey. It is great to see how thing develop, how you develop. That's what we are living for I guess.
    I love this work you posted. It is colorful, it makes me happy. It feels like you are freeing (is that a word?!?) yourself. Lovely!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Nicole! Yes - freeing is a word! Many thanks for your kind words. We're all on this journey together.

      x

      Delete
  2. Hi Sue Chan, this is a pretty and colourful artwork! I know what you mean about progress and process, and that it is personal and individual. Great to hear that you are enjoying painting and freeing yourself. That is fantastic news, and please keep going! :))

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cheers Wini! Yes, I've come to a place where I can't stop - it seems bigger than "me" now. Thanks for stopping by!

      x

      Delete
  3. Isn't it wonderful when it feels like everything is just flowing out of your pen? I think feeling that and making such a colorful painting certainly IS an accomplishment! so nice to read about your development!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Koosje! Always delightful to hear from you! Hope you're well darlin'!

      x

      Delete