A few years back, we had a Studio Views with mixed media artist Lisa Olson. In sharing her studio and process, she mentioned a tactic she uses to free up creative intuition:
I believe that the best artwork comes from a combination of intuition and thoughtful direction, but I often find that the little critics who sit on my shoulder and ask what does it mean? or why does this matter? try to take charge.
To compensate, several times a week I allow myself to work on quick, unedited collage projects, purely fluent and intuitive.
The rules are simple: I am not allowed to spend more than two or three hours on each, and I am not allowed to think beyond the simple exercise of the small work. It often takes effort to accept that everything shouldn’t be better or bigger.
I like how the “constraints” of her self-assignment actually serve to unbind a sense of invention.
Lisa’s recent work is about to be exhibited in Boston.
Lisa Olson, The Children’s Home, Bromfield Gallery, May 2-26, 2012, Opening Reception, Friday, May 4, 6-8:30 PM.
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