In 1989, I took a black and white photograph of a cabin during a course in Photography at Sheridan College. Photography was my first real experience with making art. I loved it. I burnt through film as fast as I could afford it. I took pictures of everything, but found I had an affinity for buildings. This shouldn’t be too surprising, being the daughter of a second generation builder.
A decade later, I was experimenting with pen and ink techniques, and I found the photograph and used it as a reference. To be honest, I am not sure where that photograph is now. I am also not sure that this building is still standing. It was right on the edge of Burnhamthorpe road north of Oakville – Quite literally on the edge. I remember the farm that sat where Burnhamthorpe ends and this would have been some time before highway #407 swung by. I wonder if a farm would survive in such an urban area? The land values alone would be alarming….
As an artist, I struggled for a long time to figure out what it meant to have ‘style’. It is easy to see the styles which other artists have developed, but, to discover one’s own voice is requires knowing who we are as individuals. To skip this step, art can become derivative instead of inspired.
I think that style can come from finding something you are passionate about, then, allowing it to work through you… When this happens, you are no longer as concerned with what other people are doing. It is akin to seeing yourself in something. Once you have had the privilege to see even a glimpse, the rest is just perfecting your craft.
The greatest gift to making art is the chance that you might find something of who you are. What are you passionate about?
Michelle,
I don’t think you can look for a style. It finds you instead, after hundreds of paintings are under your belt. You don’t even know you have it until people say ” I would know your work anywhere”.
Love,
Linda
Michelle:
I so totally agree with you … and Linda. As you know my passion is nature. For better or worse that passion defines my style. Heck it defines me. I have no control over it at all.
I’ve often wondered about style, myself. I don’t know that one could avoid incorporating their own style if they tried, really. Our style comes out in everything we do, all the time (unless we’re on drugs or we’re specifically trying to NOT be who we are.) How we talk & walk & are is all our “style,” so how we paint or draw or take pictures would be no different, I think.
Lovely pen & ink drawing. I wish I had that kind of patience! <:\
I think all of these things are true. Thanks for the comments everyone!:)
Wow, you’ve got a very beautiful blog. Love everything in here especially the photos. Love love it! Keep up the good work ๐
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Very nice picture and post!
Best wishes.
Sincerely,
-Liane Schmidt.
Thanks, Liane! ๐