It’s an odd feeling, suspending judgement &/or control, to give oneself over to directions from another, a guru.
Recently I did that, following a workshop by Jenny Nelson on shapes. Starting with three of the same shape – triangles in my case – I worked in a limited palette of phthalo green, magenta, black, white & a smidge of benzimidazolone yellow medium.
I followed the action list, which had directions such as:
- Add a few different values inside your shapes
- Add an additional part to 2 of the shapes
- Add pure white. Add pure black
- Add 4 straight lines somewhere.
There are 12 other directions on that list. Remarkably, the exercise produced some interesting paper sketches. And this acrylic work, Frantic Donuts.
The trio of circles in the mid-left section inspired the name. I felt the circumstances of the work’s production warranted a catchy title.
I also used Woody pencils, Posca acrylic pens & palette knives & turned the work several times to find the most interesting orientation.
Friend Lynne A. also followed the workshop & created interesting works based on circles. We’ll try to find intriguing titles for her work too.
The exercise reminded me we can often benefit from learning or re-learning; stepping away from our comfort zone can reap rewards; the community of creatives is a large and generous one.
yvonnecallawayarts.ca 