Deborah sent me the most amazing link to an artist making paper collage (she's been doing it for awhile) that look VERY much like mine. She even collages chairs and I do that all the time. I looked at her work and quickly left the site.I have a REAL problem as I am able to copy work. And seeing things on other sites causes all kinds of problems with my own work as I begin to question if ideas are original or just versions of something I saw recently. I don't know whether I will be able to make any more of the flowers (example at top of post) because now I SEE the other work. And there were some nice bits that I now would like to add to my stuff.
What do you do when you see something similar to your own work on a blog but with interesting new ideas? Do you try to add these new ideas to your work or just look and move on?
I love the way Sonji paints fabric and I wanted to paint fabric like her's. But then I have Sonji fabric in my fiber work which makes it a two person piece and not a Joanne, all my herself, piece.
I think some of this stems from always being on the "outside" of any groups in school and college. I always DESPERATELY wanted to be PART of the group. I wanted what THEY had. What THEY wore, etc. Eventually, I gave up wanting that. I found I even enjoyed solitude. Now I need it. I don't know if it's a sign of mental instability, but I am totally entertained by myself. And, yes, I do talk to myself but try not to do it out loud.
The new 12 by 12 challenge is shelter. And Deborah mentioned the deadline is September 1 and not the usual 2 months (October 1). This is going to be a real challenge for me to get some ideas and work them out in such a short time period.
What's Good Today: Got to sleep 2 extra hours, had a great shower, paid the bills. My back still hurts from too much standing around doing nothing at work two days in a row. When the mums arrive we'll have more to do. And then it will be Christmas. Pasta for supper tonight with a nice big salad. Romaine from my garden and a pretty red bell pepper. Cucumbers? Phone call from K while we watch Project Runway.
What's Even Better Tomorrow: Day off, lunch with artist friend, sifting the compost pile, making manure tea and reading my new J A Jance mystery.
When I see artwork that I wish I had done and/or want to do myself, I do as you said and quickly look away! Later on I might incorporate something that struck me into my own work, but by then I have processed it through my own filters and it comes out completely different from what I saw. I guess this is the difference between being "inspired by" and copying.
ReplyDeleteYou're right. It is a big challenge to avoid "copying." I try to distinguish between copying the technique and copying the style. I'm glad you liked the artwork on the link I sent, but I'm sorry it may have caused you to put up a barrier that you don't need. I think you're work is completely YOU.
ReplyDeleteI was totally wrong about the 12x12 date -- it is Oct 1. So sorry.