Lessons Learned

I have been working on a project for a big show coming up in less than 2 weeks. I will provide more details about the show and the opening later this week. During the processes of creating this I have faced many challenges.

The piece is meant to be inspired by a well known abstract artist. When I first looked at his work I wondered how I could create something inspired by his simplicity without being literal. I struggled with this for days. I researched his work, his process, and then his life. I came to a point where I questioned my processes and the thought behind my work.

After spending days in contemplative thought and talking about this artist with others, I finally had my concept. This concept kept me up night after night. Thinking about the options and materials to execute the message. Eventually I sorted out the best materials and the designer in me sketched a layout and determined the dimensions for the piece.

Over the weekend I spent 2 days sourcing the materials to make the piece come to life the way it lives in my mind. Last night I primed 3 2' x 4' panels which was an adjustment from the initial plan. With only a day left to the weekend and deadlines creeping up quickly today was meant to be a solid day of working in the studio. I have never created a piece at this scale.

My inexperience slowly got the best of me today. The panels I purchased were too thin. They warped after priming them and when I tried to brace them together they were just too flimsy. I decided to go with a canvas drop cloth as the best alternative. I got to the store just before they closed. But when I got it home there was a huge seam down the middle.

Maybe I could've made this work, but I am a perfectionist. When the panels went wrong I started to feel sick, but when this seam was discovered I just felt defeated. Honestly I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes. I haven't worked at this scale previously and suddenly that was starting to show. I could have had the bulk of the piece done today if I had only had a bit more experience with art this size. After a few deep breaths and some positivity from a friend I calmed down. If we don't make these mistakes how will we ever gain experience?

I am picking up another canvas tomorrow.