Many artists sit and agonize over an idea before getting their hands dirty. I am not one of those artists. Sure, I have ideas about what would make an interesting painting…but who can remember? I even have some ideas that I consider good enough to write down….but I find those little scraps of napkin wadded up at the bottom of my purse only to unravel and discover that what was once a noble cause is now just a lame glimpse of a thought provoked by wine and boredom. So, when I feel like painting I paint.
I just dig up some old picture I took in like an orphan while passing by a thrift store window because the frame was pretty…or exceptionally ugly. Sometimes I put a primer over the old picture. Sometimes I just start throwing colors at it. Either way, I just dig in! Eventually, the paint cooperates with the surface long enough to grow some kind of form I recognize as interesting. I pursue this growth until I’m either bored, confused, or tired. When I come back to my work with fresh eyes I see things more clearly…hopefully….okay, maybe only about half the time. Anyway, if I like the direction I will start to add detail, maybe with pen or some color, until something emerges.
Initially, the surface navigates which direction the painting takes. Often, a struggle takes place between ideas and images until somewhere along the line (not sure exactly where) I gain enough control to force scattered thoughts and imagery into a story. I guess what I am trying to say is that I allow my subconscious to take over….maybe because I don’t want the responsibility…definitely because it keeps things interesting.
by Meranda Turbak