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Friday, February 29, 2008

A Shift in Thinking

Hi again, well, I'm back from Jamaica and feeling somewhat refreshed. It's funny though how easily all the same things that irritated you before a vacation still irritate you as soon as you come back. I really thought that a week away from the house and kids would renew me, and I'd come back easy-going and carefree, and that toys all over the floor wouldn't bother me a bit....think again! Oh well, if nothing else, it was a really relaxing week while I was there, and I think everyone needs that once in a while!

I haven't had a lot of art time lately, with the trip and various other naptime problems that have arisen since (since naptime is my main source of art time), but I have managed a couple pieces. I don't know if it's been apparent here, but I've been struggling a bit with my art lately. I feel like I'm on the verge of some sort of shift, but I just can't quite figure out what that shift is. My art feels stagnant lately, like I'm not pushing myself and not growing, and that bothers me. I'm very inspired by a couple different artists these days (matirose, betsy walton) for the freeness and "messiness" in their art, and I'd love to somehow move in that direction, while still being true to my own artistic vision.

I think that the first step for me is to change my thinking while I work, which I've tried to begin doing. While I always have tried to "let what happens happen" when I create, I'm going to really push myself in this way, since the artwork I like seems to come from a sort of subconscious level. Even though it sounds somewhat contradictory, I'm going to make a concerted effort to "not think" while I create, and see what comes out.

Since I've made that decision, here is what I've done:

This one sort of evolved into a piece about some of the naptime/bedtime struggles I've been dealing with with the kids. There's something about it that doesn't feel true to my own vision. I think I was trying too hard, which is exactly what I'm not supposed to be doing! But I have a feeling there will be many pieces I'm not happy with during this period of transition...

This one I've very happy with. It came about very naturally, which is what I'm striving for, and I feel like it's still "me".

And this is a spread in Riley's journal that I did this morning. I overthought it a little bit while I was working, but overall, I think I was able to let go fairly well. It's about him giving up his pacifier, which is bittersweet for me. This kid was so tied to his pacifier until about a month ago. Then one day, it developed a crack in it, and that was it! No more pacifier, by his own decision. I was just shocked that he would so easily give it up, but I guess kids work in mysterious ways! It's sort of nice that I won't have that struggle down the road, but it's just another bit of proof that he's growing up....sigh.

It's strange how all three of these have the same color palette, which was not intentional. So, there you have it- the workings of my strange artistic mind. I know that the pieces themselves may not look that different from my other work, but in my mind, I've begun a journey down a new path. We'll see where I end up!

And I wanted to say thank you to all of you who complimented me on my portraits of the boys in my last post. I love realistic painting, but it's stressful, so I just don't do it often. However, I'd love to somehow combine it with my collage at some point. Maybe that will be in the forefront as well...

17 comments:

Britt- Sparkled Vintage Charm said...

I love all your creations! congrats to Riley on giving up his binky! :-)P.S.
Shoving craft time into nap time is crazy isn't it?!!

Rose Garden Romantic said...
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Rose Garden Romantic said...

Love the new pieces- especially the bunny one! And the colors are wonderful,too! I know what you mean about the nap time. My two little guys have not napped for years now- maybe when they go to school I will have art time?
Michelle

K said...

HI corey-

I ran out to buy your book last week and am so happy with it. I am in a rut with my art and needed a kick in the pants, and your book has given me the much needed momentum. Although I did pull out some canvases last night and stared at them for about an hour.

Love your work and inspiration.

Erika Tysse said...

That is funny, maybe we were seperated at birth. You know, maybe we have some sort of twin telepathy. I know exactly what you are saying, things become so boring when you keep doing the same things over and over. It is a struggle to push yourself to do something that you don't normally do and which is out of your comfort zone, however, it feels good once you produce something that you can stand to look at! love the spreads as usual!

Kari said...

Glad to hear you had a good trip! Thanks so much for sharing with us your process. Even when things are in transition and you may not be "happy" with the world. We love sharing the journey with you. Can't wait to see where you're headed:)
Cheers
Kari

Kari said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Mel♥ said...

Corey they are lovely!! The first is definitely different from your other work but all in all great!! What makes it so different is there is no pic of your boys in there! Thats the first thing I noticed!

The next spread of riley sleeping is just so precious! So peaceful with his pacifier yet thank gawd its gone!!

lindaharre said...

I am soooooo proud of you!!! What a huge step you are taking! What a difficult step you are taking as well:D I really admire you for stepping off the edge not knowing what to expect! Also, the fact that you are aware that many of the pieces may not be to your liking while making this transition:D GOOD FOR YOU! I have tried this and it is very hard, also very hard to stay on your quest! BRAVO COREY...hugs, Linda

Tara's Art Camp said...

Hi Corey,
I got a failure notice tonite about sending you an email..... are you there????


xo,
Tara

marilyn said...

That's funny.
The first one that you didn't like as much, is actually my favorite. I like the movement that flows through it, the color palette and the use of the vintage paper dolls.
Keep it up.
Marilyn

Peggi Meyer Graminski said...

Hi Corey! This is my first time visiting your blog, and I really love it! I totally understand what you are going through with your art - the "peaks" we experience when we're trying to create are so wonderful, but it's those "valleys" we have to struggle through. I think all your recent art is great - especially those last two collages...simply precious!

Anonymous said...

I will try to be brief as I see you are a very busy lady. My New Year's resolution is to thank people who have touched my life in a positive way and that means you. I was on a girls get away weekend shopping at a Michaels craft store in NY state when I grabbed your book by the checkout. It is so perfect, I feel as though you have written just for me to answer all these questions I have been stuck on regarding collage/altered art. I have purchased many Somerset magazines and admired the art but I have never been able to get going despite having collected all sorts of goodies to use. I have decorative painted for years but when I saw other altered art I thought, what if I did this using my own vintage and new photos? So I am thrilled to finally be digging in with your help and wanted to tell you- thank you, thank you, thank you! Also, I happen to be a mother of two boys ages 11 and 16 and have enjoyed reading your blog for the first time today. Motherhood is definitely not all Mrs.Brady (who had a full time housekeeper by the way) and it's helpful to know that others feel the same way about it. If you ever get the chance please check out my friends web-site, www.grownupgirlfriends.com (not art related)in which I write a review column on books and DVD's. But that is not why I wrote. I just wanted to let you know how awesome I think your book really is. Thanks again.

Anke Martin said...

Hi Corey, looking forward to see your new creations, go with the flow just let it go.....that is the most fun and relaxing way I love to create,that's how my art mind works as well, subconscious (hope I wrote that word right) and not really planning. Due to have 2 kids as well, I take my creating time sundays, so my husband has to watch them, while I create in my Studio.
Smiles, Anke ;)

Laura Bray said...

I feel for you about the naptime issues. My 2 1/2 year old has decided that she no longer naps. WAAA! So soon? It's the only time I have to create! In the Artist's Way, Julia Cameron talks about the issues you are having about your artwork. She says it is definately a sign that you are about grow again in your creativity. Keep showing up, it will happen.

Tammy said...

Hi Corey! I have just recently "found" you on Flickr, and I am so in love with your artwork,especially your babies' journals. They are so adorable. I get so much inspiration from your blog, too! So, there I was, looking at all your art work, and thinking to myself how much I would love to read a book on your style. What is this? You HAVE a book??? YIPEE!! I looked on our library website, ran a search...ta dahh, they have it! Yay!! Can't wait to sit down with an iced coffee and take a look, and drool, and get inspired!! Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful talents with us.
A fan,
Tammy

matirose said...

first off, your paintings are beautiful! 2ndly, i'm flattered. 3rdly, i've been there... and am always evolving and evaluating, like it seems you are, as to what feels authentically my expression. so interesting how you can only know this! thanks for sharing your thoughtful words & art!
xo
mati rose