I don’t always know where I’m going when I begin an art piece. Really. And I let the image talk to me. When I choose the original image it’s an instinct. Something in it inspires me, speaking in a silent voice. This image originated from a session I did about two years ago and as I was searching my archives today came across it. At the time we’d done some really fun pictures– and truth be told the images stand on their own as very cool. Artsy, sexy, weird, spacey and I just love that kind of stuff.
A make-up artist created a head piece skull cap and I created the wire wrap. I find it very futuristic and the directness of her gaze and body language is what made me choose this particular photo. Also the clarity in her gorgeous eyes. I also used one of the fractals I’ve made as pattern and detail.
For about two weeks now I’ve been massively inspired and when those juices are flowing you must ride it out. So I’ve been knees deep in one art piece after another. I love to “paint” pictures. I can’t seem to get enough. My minds eye sees splashes of color and texture, muddled skin, brush strokes. So instead of doing what I’ve done most of my photography career– doing the simple, appropriate retouching– I’m going whole hog into what my brain and hands are craving. Honoring truth, the kind of truth that sets each and every artist apart from the person next to them. Not better, wiser, smarter or more beautiful or quirky or creative. There is no measurable thing in making art, in my opinion anyway. You think it up, you express it. There is no correct medium to work in. The perfect medium is the one that calls to you. Digital painting has me firmly in it’s deliciously addictive grip.
For any other emerging artists out there, a little note about persistence and determination… last year I sent a few images of my earlier work to Gregg Irby, and to my disappointment, never heard a response back. Fast forward to January 2013, I had continued to push myself and paint, paint, paint. I decided to give it another shot and sent images of newer pieces, but this time… I got an e-mail the very next day! It just proves to keep going, and continue to develop your portfolio. I’m shipping down three of my largest pieces Guide You , Let’s not lose sight , and Canyon (below) this week to be displayed in the gallery!
Congrats, great story about your persistence and passion paying off! Thanks so much for sharing your story!