Sculpting and Painting Parties
I previously wrote about making art fun and making art accessible. The sculpting and painting parties have been a lot of fun so far and there are more coming! People need that time to unwind and relax, to let go of the stress of the everyday life. Those two or three hours are very therapeutic. You can see the difference in people’s faces from start to end, at least most of them. Not only they come stressed but also you can see how nervous they are. I understand. It is intimidating when you don’t know what you are getting yourself into. People is also facing a self-imposed social challenge in these events: they are trying to prove something to others and themselves. That’s one of the things I try to break with in these events. We are not competing. We don’t have to finish if we don’t want to. We are here to have fun and enjoy the ride.
During the sculpting and painting parties I can also observe how personalities and ways of thinking are reflected or poured out on a painting. It is possible to develop an awareness of this fact if one pays attention to it. Many people can’t tell. Everyone is looking at the same scene and all the paintings look so different. I observe how they paint and sculpt and the pressure in their hands, the brush strokes, the colors, the lines, their attitudes and aptitudes are all revealed in the process. It is so much fun to see people challenging themselves, fighting against their own nature tendency to be stressed, but at the same time putting who they are in what they do.
It is also very interesting how many people have no idea of their natural talent and how peaceful it is to engage in the creative process once you immerse yourself in it. There are many talented people out there, but because they never tried before, because of time, and life choices, that talent remains hidden. Moreover, people don’t know that talent is not necessary to have a good time and relax, especially if that is what you are there for. I’m not expecting people to become master painters or sculptors in two hours. I want them to have fun while enjoying the benefits of art.
Galleries and exhibit curators will justify this occurrence by pointing out the issue of space. Sculptures take more space and interestingly they often don’t have pedestals for them. Sculptures are also heavier and make it more work to display. Getting into art exhibits and shows is easier than coming in with paintings. They also might mention that collectors and people in general are more inclined to acquire paintings maybe because paintings don’t occupy that much space at home. I heard many times people with children who are afraid to buy sculptures because the kids can bump into them and because they don’t have much space at home. Artists justify the preference for painting over sculpting because of the cost of materials to produce, storage space, working space, mobility, in transit costs and risks, and did I mention space?
They arrive to find all the supplies ready to sculpt or paint. At the beginning you can feel how some are nervous and maybe scared to try out something new and different from them. Most people arrive to the parties with little or no experience whatsoever. Some come with friends, family, or a date. Some people make new friends and acquaintances. It is always fun to see how they compare each other’s skills as they go. Moreover is great when they get immerse in the process.
Sculpting 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.
Forming 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.
Your 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.
The Idea Takes Shape as I Go
– Antonio Machado –
The sculpting process is often for me like the words of this poem. I might have a vague idea of the direction where I’m going but I let the idea guide me. I just need to start sculpting. Each steps reveals the path to follow. It makes sculpting more fun while turning a project into a learning and discovery process. The sculpture becomes what it wants to become. The idea takes shape as I go.