Creativity requires the courage to let go of certainty. Erich Fromm

I'm taking part in a Blog hop, being invited by http://gabriellabuckingham.blogspot.co.uk/. The questions posed for this posting are the following: What am I working on? How does it differ from others in this genre? Why do I create what I do? and How does my creative process work>


What am I working on?

I am working on paintings for a selection of galleries and exhibitions, I am also working on a drawing project involving children 7-11 as part of an incentive to happen alongside The Big Draw event.



I'm focussing on Fantasy and Floral paintings at the moment. Being affected by seasons, the work seem more summery right now.





How does it differ from others in this genre?

Mmm, difficult to answer since I cannot be objective, for one I am basically a full time painter with a strong design foundation. With extensive training as a textile designer, my paintings are stylised with an emphasis on colour and shapes. I am also a designer with work being licensed for prints and products. I like to apply myself in different ways, apart from Textile design training, I have a BA honours degree in Ceramics with Glass, and an MA in Jewellery design, so I enjoy an element of applied arts as well. Predominantly I do however see myself as a painter.



Why do I create what I do?

I've been an artist for as long as I can remember, I've never wanted to be anything other. As I get older I use the experiences in new experimental ways. I realised that just because one is trained in a certain specialism it does not mean you cannot adapt and diversify. For example, I am a painter, but now after 25 years I am able to once again create designs usable for textile and surface decoration, derived from paintings. Technology allows new ways of application, and this is very exciting.

Happy Day, a painting also used as a textile design.
http://www.spoonflower.com/designs/2682566

How does my creative process work?

Well, as mentioned I fall back on experiences gained from being a full time artist. Playing with form and colour and happy accidents offer new ways of creating paintings and designs. Not being too precious about what you have created so far. In short, I agree with Erich Fromm: Creativity requires the courage to let go of certainty. Wonderful things happen when you do.



Still life painting evolving into a fantasy painting.