Finding my artistic style.
As an artist, I have been reflecting lately on how difficult it can be to find a specific style that feels authentic. In this era of social media, I find it nearly impossible not to be influenced by current creatives or those from the past. Whether it be other artists, designers, photographers, or the like, I am constantly being inspired by the those little squares. Instagram, in particular, has this way of making everything so alluring that I find myself getting sucked in. This isn’t always a bad thing. Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook… they all have their purpose and have been incredibly helpful in their own unique way. For instance, I would have absolutely no clue as to how to go about launching an art business without the use of social media.
That being said, I am constantly trying not to be overly influenced or inspired by what I see online. I have a rule that before I paint each morning, I refrain from going on Instagram or Pinterest before I start my practice. I want my ideas and direction that day to feel authentically mine.
But what does that even mean, really? Is any idea really unique? Is any “style” ones own, or is it just an interpretation of someone else’s? When you take a look back in history - as is always wise to do when reflecting on these things… - the greatest artists in history learned from studying and emulating the work of someone else. That is literally how the greatest painters in the world were taught; they worked under some other talented artist, studying their style and techniques, turning out piece after piece that could have passed for their mentor’s work. Eventually, they would take all of that learning and turn it into something they would call their own. They would put their own spin on their learnings without guilt or shame. When I think of it that way, I don’t feel so uncomfortable when I recognize the style or technique of another within my own work.
This isn’t to say I ever intentionally “copy” another artist. I am in no way condoning plagiarism. But I do think that all of the “new” ideas we see today, in the year 2021, is a result of something else. Every colour I use has been used before. Every shape I create has been formed by someone else already. I’ve come to realize it’s how I use those colours or forms in my own work that makes them uniquely mine.
In the above commission, my adoration for the Impressionists is easily detected.
In an attempt to grow my art business, and create a recognizable “brand” if you will, I am trying to find a style that feels authentic, comes from deep within, and is consistent. As you will see from my Summer Collection, to be released at the end of August, 20201, I am still trying to find a specific “style” that suits me. Some days I want to paint in total abstract, using shadows, shapes and lines to convey emotion or memory. Other days I am so inspired by a landscape or some facet of nature that I can’t stop thinking about it until I paint it in full.
A sneak peek at one of the many cloud studies you’ll find in my Summer Collection.
In short, I think more than anything, in this day and age, it is important for me to feel authentic while still understanding that everything has been done before, just not by me. My heart and soul go into each and every piece I create. I suppose that’s what makes it “mine.” Although influenced by everything around me, I still feel as though my Summer Collection is turning into a group of work that feels cohesive and aligned with my inner workings. The creative process is the most exciting part of my creativity, which has been in full swing these past few months.
Be sure to join my e-mail list if you’re interested in getting all of the details about my upcoming Collection. This precious group of people get first dibs on all of my work, and are always kept in the loop before anyone else!
As always, I hope this inspires you to live a life full of creativity!
