Mixed Media Spiral

Academia can narrow my creative vision when I get stuck in the linear, logical and product driven mindset. When I am unhealthily fixated on finding solutions or making something that has meaning, I practice letting go into the creative process. I try to let go of my desire to understand. Last week, I raided the art closet and sat in the hallway of the university where I study. As I painted, drew and smudged I wondered what I was making. I judged the cliche symbol of the spiral… the simplicity of my art.

I have fallen in love with mixing media though. I find entertainment and curiosity in how dry chalk pastels interact with water colors. After dusting each color of chalk pastel onto the wet paint, I smudged from the center outward with my hands. This was kinesthetic and sensory.

I take pictures of my art often to see how the camera and editing software can alter it. This piece looks pretty bland without digital editing. But, with a little contrast here and some brightness there, some more structure and a random filter… bam! The spiral comes alive. At least to me. So, in the end… I am left with a 30 minute experience of playful exploration, dirty hands and a pleasant image to look at. Profound? Not unless you make it so. Does the off centeredness bother you? Something to think about. I value asymmetry as I am significantly asymmetrical, having scoliosis.