Studio Time Without Studio Space

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Many people hate Monday. I like Monday. Monday is my studio day, or at least it used to be. Technically it still is but certain things changed since we moved. I no longer have a dedicated studio space. The studio space was that corner in which I could work on my art without restrictions and where people came to take private lessons. It was also my space to think, plan, and generate ideas for current and future work. Not having that space sounds like a terrible loss, but it is not. I can have studio time without studio space.

Discipline and practice is not limited to a physical space but to the actions required to maintain the habits to continue creating and improving technique. Yes, the space is necessary to expand those creative moments, teach, keep supplies, and being able to come back to the work at any time. I feel like I’m taking a sabbatical from sculpting and painting. Nonetheless, I keep myself busy drawing everyday, and I am doing the painting and sculpting parties more frequently too. Now that I am writing again that also keeps my mind busy and gives me the chance to meditate and articulate ideas and my mental process. I’ll be teaching a computer class soon as well. Beginning next school semester I’ll be teaching in a university too. With all of these things happening at once I have to consider the world my studio.

I don’t think there is a need to limit myself to the physical studio space to dance with muses and get ready for what comes next. I don’t want to have a studio space as I had before. I want something else for which I’m getting ready. As the weather gets warmer I will be painting outside more, and who knows, maybe I’ll be sculpting again soon. That I can do while I wait to understand God’s will regarding studio space where I can display my art, work, and teach. Until then I enjoy studio time every day. Everything will come to pass in due time. There are so many things to look forward to this year.

Read also Studio Time: Work on Something or Nothing & The Discipline in The Discipline

The Creation

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Please, allow me to share with you a portion of the book I’m writing. Technically I finished writing it. It is now going through the first revision. I waited a week from the time I finished writing it to the first revision. That helps me to see it like it was the first time. I don’t consider myself a writer but I am truly having fun with this. I wanted to share this with you:

We all know the story. In the beginning God created heaven and earth, then the creation story continued. God spoke the word and it was created. That is the real deal when it comes to voice recognition, voice-activated systems in action. Creating man was different. God spoke to himself and formed man from the dust of the earth creating a bond between man and nature, and moreover, a bond between God and man as he breathed the breath of life. Man was not only formed in God’s image but also received the essence of God inside. Why is that so fascinating to me? Sculpting!

Sculpting the figure allows me to feel like I’m sharing the moment of creation with God. I’m creating a bond between the figure and the material I am using and providing life, in some sense, to something that had no life. I am sure that a lump of clay on the table is not going to form itself. I form the figure. I decide the shape and thickness of the muscles, the proportions, and each curve means something. It all makes sense. The process of sculpting is physical and it is spiritual. Each sculpture shares my DNA and the RNA of the material, but it also shares part of my essence.

It is going to take almost a year to complete the sculptures that are included in the book. I honestly can’t wait to see it all together with the pictures and be able to read it surrounded by the sculptures. I hope you enjoy this sample.

Observation and Perception

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Observation and perception are two of the most important skills for visual artists to develop. Yes, these are skills that can be developed. I won’t buy into the belief that you are born with them, and even if you do you need to exercise in order to get better at it. It is the same with every talent. If you don’t seek to develop the talent and rely only on the natural-born talent I might be dubious if there is passion involved. Those who are passionate for what they do and love are in constant pursue to get better at it. Talent development requires practice, effort, experimentation, and lots of work.

Observation requires much more than just looking. Observing requires deeper attention. Through observation we can notice things that will challenge logic and sense. In research language the observation process is a way to collect data. It provokes a detailed examination of the phenomena under analysis. This examination goes beyond looking and transfers to all senses.

Perception is like adding another sense; a sixth sense if you will. Perception creates a mental impression from which observations can be understood and interpreted. It is this conception or notion of reality that facilitates making sense of the information we receive. Perception can interpret external and internal information simultaneously and provides meaning to the observations.

In art these two elements are combined for the artist to make sense of the creation process adding meaning to the artwork. I try to mentally document how through observation and perception the elements acquire visual correlation in one cohesive sculpture or painting. I observe where a curve is not complete or following an angle with fluidity and through perception I can define where to fix it to make visual logic within the intention of the piece.

Philosophical Sense

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Making visual and philosophical sense are processes that go together in my head when I am sculpting. It begins with a simple idea that develops into a story. Creation and understanding join the journey. A piece is finished and a second one joins in telling its own story while joining in a greater story without casting a shadow on the first. They both have an important role to play. Then another piece joins the play, and another, until the collection is complete.

As I start putting together a new collection for the next exhibit I find myself staring at each piece making visual sense individually and collectively. There is a silent language, a quiet conversation between the sculptures and me. We communicate and understand without words. However, I like to articulate into words, better yet translate what I see into words. There is a story, a concept that joins them together. There is a greater message behind the union of two elements.

Art speaks by itself. Let art speak. My art speaks to me visually and intellectually, and it is my hope it does to people too. I’ve met artists who refuse to put their art into words. They claim that the visual should speak by itself and nothing else. They say that their art should speak for them. I respect their position. I like to write about it. I like to talk about it. It is so exciting. I am as passionate about making philosophical sense as much as creating art and making visual sense.

Sculpting Life

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scg2Sculpting clay is very therapeutic and fun. You don’t need experience. I have seen people in my classes, workshops, and sculpting parties who could not believe what they accomplished. All you need is to immerse yourself in the process. It is a unique experience.

scgForming the clay allows for a deep connection between creator and creation. Your hands will smell like clay and the clay will carry your fingerprints. Your fingers communicate with the clay as in a silent conversation. In the process the clay may get stubborn and hard to mold, but with water it becomes soft again. Sometimes little pebbles get mixed in the clay. You need to remove them before they ruin the piece. When the piece is complete you will be proud of the result.

scg1Your life is like clay. God is the sculptor. He is sculpting life in you. He is immerse in the process of forming your life and seeking a deeper connection with you. He is leaving his fingerprints on you and keeping your smell on his hands. Don’t fear or reject the tears that are softening your heart for him to continue working. Let him remove those painful pebbles of the past that left scars in your life. I assure you that at the end, no matter how imperfect you think you are, for Him you are his masterpiece.