Over thinking the process

When I first started beading and not knowing what I was doing, I tended to over think the process.  Try and analyse exactly what I was doing, getting something perfect. Following instructions to the letter, and being quite precise in what I was doing.
Over thinking the creation, the creative process.  It kind of made it more difficult to get things done.  Of course, as time went on, I became more fluid in my movements and  understood to just let the ideas flow.

So when I decided to start collage I was all excited about the ideas and the thought of making layers and abstract pictures.  That was short-lived.  The idea of being able to let loose and follow my heart was exciting, but then it became confusing.  Should I do this, or that, what’s the right way to do it??  Collage is a totally free form concept.  Sure there are rules, but in essence, there are no rules.  Having an open book actually made it harder to do something.   I had nothing to go with, no general idea of what to do. I  like to follow a few rules, and then as I gain confidence, let loose on my own terms.

My first few collages worked well. Both were very simple and look alright.  I made a mistake with one, by missing out the middle layer and starting with the top.
The mixed media project for Circles was easy enough, I had my rules (make circles) and time frame (1 week) so the construction was made simpler. I made it very simple and took the title as it was.  Circles on a board.

My new collage has proved to be the hardest to get going.  The sketch was easy, surprisingly it looked half decent. I got the base colours down and had the top layer sorted – my trees, a pond and of course the animals.  It was just the middle layers I was having trouble with.  I was over thinking what to do, and how to do it.  After a little more thinking, eek! and a spot of shopping (for fibres etc of course) I realised what I was doing.  I wanted it to be too ‘neat’ and too ‘perfect’ looking.  Not abstract with life and body.

Before I figured out where I was going….

Duh!! That’s where the above paragraph comes in – SIMPLE!!! or KISS, keep it simple stupid.
So, simple doesn’t have to mean boring, or neat, or anything, but to not over analyse how to do it.  I want a safari-ish scene. Easy.  Desert colours, a small pond, animals…. then make it abstract and whack it all together.  Slowly coz I can’t be bothered to get out the hairdryer to speed up the drying process.  I think abstract is the word and I now have a title for it which is cool.  Oh, I love it when an idea finally comes together.

It still needs some work to go before I am finished, but I am working on a wordy one, so back to the paper and magazines with my trusty scissors (and a coffee of course).

Over thinking causes complications,
keep smiling 😀
jennifer

my current muses…

My new header now features the ‘main characters’ in my new crafty endeavour, obsession.
Mixed media/collage/assemblage uses all aspects of crafts using paper, cloth, beads, and anything that can be stuck, strung or somehow attached to board/canvas or anything else. After my foray into it with the Circles Exhibition (coming very soon with a post to match) I’ve become somewhat excited and am busy doodling and thinking of ways to make it work.
I did make a few during the week and took them to the market (I think I mentioned that somewhere else?) to gauge response. Well, I sold two of them, and the other two I have added to – made them better. I know why they didn’t sell.  I now have numerous drawings ready to roll, and six canvases (2 large & 4 small) to start work on.
When I saw the large ones I knew immediately what i would do with one.  I had received a pre-made necklace of beads some years ago – cool, but not really me – that included the above wooden animals.  So I shall be working on an African Safari scene… :-}
There are 4 weeks til the next market. I’d best get to work.

 

Unleash the animal within 🙂
Jennifer