It seems rather odd to be afraid of painting, but many people are. I remember the first time I ever painted on a canvas, I was scared to death. I got a painting set for Christmas one year complete with paints, canvas, brushes and an instructional video. I think the fact that it came with instructions is kind of weird. Especially since I don't paint in that technique at all.
But when I got the set, I watched the video over and over, and it took me forever to actually pick up the brushes and start painting. For some reason I thought that if I did it wrong, the earth would open up and swallow me whole. It’s funny how we put so much stock in the small things.
Now, for me, painting is about the process of painting. It’s about having an idea, and then figuring out how to get there, and then deciding when to stop. Each painter I know has a different approach and relationship to painting. Mine is more of a get to know each other conversation.
My body of work is a bit eclectic. I have different styles for different days. I paint things that I find interesting to me. I can always tell you the story or thought process behind any painting, whether it’s “This is a painting of my dad packing the car for vacation” or “I started painting a line that reminded me of a pregnant belly, so I put a baby in it.” They may not be profound stories, but it’s what needed to be painted at the time.
One of the interesting things about art is that, while I'm painting, I'm communicating with the piece back and forth. That's one conversation. Then, when it's finished and other people see it, they have their own conversation with the piece. And it's usually not the same one I had. That's the great thing about art. It speaks.
I have painted a few commission works, usually for an illustration or a poster or something that was going to be used for graphic design purposes. I do commission work occasionally, but I’d rather just paint what needs to be painted and if anyone wants to buy one, they’re welcome to. |
