Question #2

Laughter and Silence 6 x 6 collage by Leslie Avon Miller


What is it that you give to your creativity?

These are my answers: Curiosity. Reverence. My time, my energy, my resources, my attention, my love, my respect. Connections with other creative people. Looking at things, everywhere. My blog! We built a building that is one half studio and one half wood shop. That was really a big commitment for us. It feels like a gift every time I walk over there. It is a project still under construction. Being creative is a state of being but it is also a relationship - me and my creativity.

And blog readers wrote that they give

Being open
Going different places, walking, looking, reading, talking
I write lot
I write snippets for artist statements
I collect quotes
I give my all
It’s all I think about
I make a commitment and get into the flow
Time
Space
Materials
Equipment
Freedom
Intention and willingness to explore
One voice joining with others
Creativity
Commitment
Showing up
Seeing a project through
Willingness to listen to my soul
To keep my heart open
My heart and soul
I am willing to put the fruits of my creativity out there
I give my closest attention
My time
My passion
I study
I practice

Collage! Collage! Collage!

I just love collage! After a day of painting I sometimes sit in the evening and make small collage on my lap. These are between five and six inches square. I gather and sort papers by color and get started. Some of the papers have been used in the studio to remove paint or apply paint in the larger works. I sort, place, consider, move little pieces around and begin adhering the papers. Sometimes I take them back to the studio for an application of paint. That’s how I got the little black marks on some of these. Sometimes I draw on them. I love to do that, but I am a little unsure of myself in that regard. An attitude of play might help me out with that. These collages may eventually be destined for the International Collage Exchange for this coming year, 2009. I like these just the way they are, but maybe I’ll add a bit of pencil work for fun.

Today Mary Ann at Blue Sky Dreaming talked about a statement of intention for her new art direction for 2009. I am inspired by her discussion. Each year I pick an aspect of design to focus on. Textures come easily to me, and are a natural area of strength. I love shapes but I could really be more assertive in this regard. And I have worked on color; particularly the aspect of value and contrast even in my high key work. I have added mark making to my focus. I have room to learn more on all of these areas, but I am enjoying playing with shapes. That little curve at the top of the gray and white stripes is part of an arch from a stencil. I like it a lot. So I will continue to play with adding more assertive shapes. I’m currently working on my communication series which is all about connection. I will continue to do so. Connecting with all of you via my blog and yours has been a lot of fun, and has provided lots of inspiration too.