Expounding About Art

[mizarchivist]

I was asked by a friend to talk about why I'm arty (well, I'm not the only one asked, but since I answered, he asked me, too) - He asked more, but I responded to:
-Why do I do it
-Does the process or the product have more importance
-What do I get out of it

Here's what I replied- unexpurgated, per woodwardiocom 's request.

Well, first- it was how I was raised. You may get to meet my mom at some point, and you will see much of a muchness there that will explain who I am- and (IMO) 99.9% positive influence.

Next, I like Doing Things. If I didn't have arty things to do at home... well, I guess I'd read more, but that's just not interactive enough to be my default setting.

So, Interactive! I do something to stuff and there's something tangible after. That's cool.

I do love the process of trying out new ideas, particularly if it's in a skill-set that I already have. See, I hate being a beginner, it makes me cranky and nervous. But I'm less intimidated by doing something new within my comfort zone. What does *that* say about me, she asks rhetorically.

The actual work of making it go is also a separate and usually quite lovely thing. Would I had that much attention span at work. Not only that, but you never know what ideas will spawn while you're mid-way: find a new color that will actually work better on The Next Thing.

Then when it's done, you have a Thing! Sometimes I will see one of my finished things (right now it's usually clay-based) in someone else's possession. Just part of the background and I think "I did that." I will assume that if it's displayed it's valued by the new owner.

Then there's the cathartic thing. Last year I ended up painting an answer to a question that was asked of me because in words in made less sense. That rarely happens, but when it does, I know I have the skill to express it.

I can do this art thing, and it's for me. It's not my job. It's also a way for me to share how I see the world with others. I am not fond of generic present giving. I want things to have meaning most of the time. Also, I've spent most of my life without a lot of present funds, but plenty of art supplies and a willingness to make something out of it.

I actually had no idea what I was going to write til I was doing it. That seems to be another typicality for me.