- Published on
Push Back
Push Back
oil on paper
10 x 14 inches (plus a border for framing)
This item is unmounted and unframed
(click on the image to purchase)
You set out to change things, the things you want to change push back. - Adrian Tchaikovsky, Cage of Souls
oil on paper
10 x 14 inches (plus a border for framing)
This item is unmounted and unframed
(click on the image to purchase)
You set out to change things, the things you want to change push back. - Adrian Tchaikovsky, Cage of Souls
The Bradypus (three-toed sloth) and I have something in common. It is the slowest animal in the world, and I am the slowest learner of life lessons in the west.
I can be resilient, tenacious, stubborn and determined. And those qualities are great! Mostly. But they also have me banging my head against things repeatedly, thinking nothing can withstand my determination and effort. Only recently, in this very decade, have I begun to see that NOT pushing is often the best way to move something forward.
This works with other humans, with productivity, with creativity and with goal-setting. Acceptance, observation, and even surrender sometimes loosen a stubborn thing or situation.
I can be resilient, tenacious, stubborn and determined. And those qualities are great! Mostly. But they also have me banging my head against things repeatedly, thinking nothing can withstand my determination and effort. Only recently, in this very decade, have I begun to see that NOT pushing is often the best way to move something forward.
This works with other humans, with productivity, with creativity and with goal-setting. Acceptance, observation, and even surrender sometimes loosen a stubborn thing or situation.
This very much applies to painting.
Anytime a painting is pushing back, it is time to walk away, let it dry awhile and then come back with an "ok, I see you, we will do it your way" approach. Generally, that attitude unsticks the painting and a little magic is released.
And this works with writing, too. I now know it is considered proper ettiquette to approach writing with a gentle, open mind and heart, waiting for the entry point to a story or paragraph or post. Like the beginning of a shamanic journey, where you enter going down into the ground, into a tree hollow, into a cave, through an opening in the clouds - if you listen and wait, the portal appears.
Anytime a painting is pushing back, it is time to walk away, let it dry awhile and then come back with an "ok, I see you, we will do it your way" approach. Generally, that attitude unsticks the painting and a little magic is released.
And this works with writing, too. I now know it is considered proper ettiquette to approach writing with a gentle, open mind and heart, waiting for the entry point to a story or paragraph or post. Like the beginning of a shamanic journey, where you enter going down into the ground, into a tree hollow, into a cave, through an opening in the clouds - if you listen and wait, the portal appears.
Now, mind you, this is not a reason to procrastinate or stop creating. Quite the opposite! Begin something else instead. Prep canvases. Make word lists. Read poetry. Make weird sketches. Afterward, re-approach the other thing and smile, because it's going to let you in now.
About the art: more murderousness in the studio! This time an oil painting on paper, cut into two pieces. In the image, the piece on the left became this painting, with all of that texture making magic in the new piece. I wrestled with this portrait for a month - she wanted what she wanted and I could not convince her otherwise! Once I surrendered, the painting moved along quickly and became something a bit punchy and illustrative. I want to know where this woman is headed and what secrets she holds...
The murdered underpainting
For those who would rather watch and listen to the blog, here is a link to the YouTube version!
And this week's bonus malarkey!
These are words to live by. There are times I need to do this exact thing. Pause, do other work in the studio or start another piece. I get into a death match with my paintings or have in the past. I’m starting to ease my grip a bit. Sometimes time is the answer for us to be able to see a path forward in our paintings. Letting the answer percolate while you do other work is a more efficient way and leads to a happier studio experience.
The painting is grand. I love your palette and the mood of this one.
Carl
And thanks a bunch! I am glad this piece let me re-approach after I adjusted my attitude! xo
We can only do with what we have control over. Our thoughts, our creative works, and how we respond to others. No, we can't push it! Stepping back sometimes is the best option. Stepping back is not going to sleep, rather be more alert!
xoxoxo