Journaling tip: Seeing your art with another’s eyes…

My friend and talented artist Patricia Anders posted this exercise and questions on her blog. This is a great exercise for us creative types and I challenge you to open up your journals and attempt to answer her questions and really try to see your work with a stranger’s eyes. I did it myself and will share my answers in a few days over at my art blog. If you would like, post your thoughts on your own blog and share a link here. Or keep it private in your own written journal.

Look at the work you have currently hanging on your studio wall or work space or in progress on your easel or your work table and pretend that you are someone else. Someone who does not know you and imagine what they might think of the artist who created it. Write those things down and keep them for yourself, to help you determine whether what you are creating is tied in with who you are or what you want to say or express. Post your thoughts.

Do you find that the statement “You can tell a lot about a person by the art that they make” is true? Does this exercise give you some clarity or ability to see your creations differently? Do you know someone who’s art clearly reflects who they are? Is the work you did ten years ago different? have you matured artistically or just improved your skills? Is there a difference? Is the content or the media the same?

It is important to the exercise to look at your work with a stranger’s eyes first. And then move on to answering the questions.

Try it!

self portrait

Art is not so much talent as character.. it’s what you are, the qualities of the person. ::: John Olsen :::

Interesting quote….is this true? This quote may be tackling a whole other issue entirely, but thought it was an interesting one to ponder.

Posted in creativity journaling, journaling prompt, journaling tips

This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009 at 2:25 pm.