On re-energising creativity...
Chuck Close once told a close friend of mine that Inspiration is for Amateurs, implying that making art is work just like anything else. I fully relate to that. One of my few rules in my studio is just to show up. Even when the work is sub-par, I just keep working, shifting, painting. I like the idea that I am gathering knowledge or tools regardless of whether I am completing a piece.
"I am constantly moving when I work - shifting, uncovering, correcting, replacing, repainting… and it is the feeling of relief that lets me know when I’m finished — it is as though the painting says, "finally", and I can breathe again."
On reflection of one's own work...
I find one of the greatest tools for analyzing work is the iPhone. I take pictures of my work as I move through the collage process, but I never finalize a piece until I sit with it for a full day. So before I go to bed I will review my photos and see what’s working and what’s not. It’s also an easier way for me to gain perspective. I work in a small space, so I can’t always find the ground to step back. The phone gives me this ability to see the work on different scale, rotate it, invert it.
On getting into a great creative space...
Music sets a tone in my space to which I am not mentally attached but almost acts as a buffer between my studio and the outside world. From punk, to African, to classical – I will listen to it all (albeit good music). I need a work song, ya know? Which brings to mind Maria Muldaur’s Work Song. Geez, I will even to listen to campy music such as that.
