Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Talking To Myself

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.

2 comments:

  1. 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.

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  2. You'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.

    I was totally wrong about the 12x12 date -- it is Oct 1. So sorry.

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