Creative Process

In 1926, Graham Wallas wrote about the stages of creativity in his book The Art of Thought.

Here's how my process fits into his structure:

Preparation Stage

I've experienced many starting points:

-something visually captivating catches my attention,

-an idea or concept tickles my brain, or

-a phrase from literature, a dream or a song lyric 'talks' to me, or

-a new material comes my way - a trip to the art supply store is a good kickstart.

Incubation Stage

My style and process are to start with that seeing and attempting to depict the objects (usually portraits, human figure, special locations, plant life) realistically. I love math and sacred geometry. But it is really just a starting point, as I:

-gather photo and 3D references

-read and research

-sketch

-contemplate, daydream and take notes

-play with colour theory, composition, size, materials

-struggle with how to depict what I think I want to express

-nap - sometimes that space between wakefulness and sleep provides a 'eureka' moment.

Illumination Stage

Eventually, I have to just begin the thing and trust that it will go somewhere! While I have a general intention, I don't really know how it's going to turn out. This used to freak me out a little, but now it's just part of the fun mystery of the process. The path emerges by walking it (to paraphrase Rumi.) Make a decision and go for it.

There is always the 'next right thing' to do - gesso, underpainting, blocking in large areas. With each step, I'm able to see more. When I'm in a good flow, it feels like the painting is painting itself.

Each piece usually goes through a ‘ruined’ phase, where I feel it’s all gone wrong. I’ve learned not to get so upset – this is simply a middle layer, limbo, that needs to be there, and moved through. In the worst case scenario, I can always start over. This is usually where I learn so much. I’m sure I take these lessons into future works. I tell myself, "Every painting, a lesson."

Verification Stage

Oh yeah! It comes together, begins to sing. (Not always, and that's ok, too.)

Thinking drops away, a quiet reacting meditatively flows in. The work becomes something better than, different from, expressing something indefinable beyond the starting point. Then I am free to go beyond the object, and locate the true subject - a soulful reflection of the highly symbolic nature of our human and spiritual journeys. I capture the spirit of the object, hopefully giving something meaningful and deep to the viewer.

Or, I just get tired of it and put it aside. Months later, all of a sudden, I see what it needs, and make adjustments.

The end is also the beginning of the next project. Hmm... what if tried something similar, but with different colours, different lighting, different materials? What else is there to explore on this subject, object, or theme?

A bonus 'verification' is when someone tells me they want this piece of art. It's often meaningful to them in a way that I was not conscious of while working it.