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