Jack of all trades, Master of none
Since I've been making drawings in my studio, I've been thinking very generally about the sculptures that I want to make. Or more accurately, how to make these sculptures that I haven't even fully conceived yet. Being a sculptor is all about figuring out how to do whatever needs to be done in order to actually realize the project, but I think being an artist is about making sure the "how" question doesn't kill the dream.
When I'm working on an idea for a new project, I usually have very little concept of what exactly will be required to make it happen. Some of that is resolved in the planning stages and some is resolved by knuckling down and working through the problems as they come. I find that getting too bogged down with logistics early on carries the danger of a false start or stalling out. It's better to just get to it--then you've got to figure it out once you're already committed.
I have rudimentary to good-enough-to-get-it-done knowledge in various skills such as woodworking, mold making & casting, computer programming, welding, and machining, etc., though I am far from a master in any of these skills. I tend to think I can figure out how to do things given the right tools and some information, but I realize that I often end up doing things the "wrong" way regardless. It's usually not a problem, as long as it works. That is the luxury of being an artist as opposed to an architect or engineer.
On her blog yesterday, Deborah Fisher wrote about a certain balance of humility and arrogance in being an artist. Here's what I took away after reading it:
First recognize that "true wisdom is to know nothing," then set out to learn everything. I think this is good advice.
When I'm working on an idea for a new project, I usually have very little concept of what exactly will be required to make it happen. Some of that is resolved in the planning stages and some is resolved by knuckling down and working through the problems as they come. I find that getting too bogged down with logistics early on carries the danger of a false start or stalling out. It's better to just get to it--then you've got to figure it out once you're already committed.
I have rudimentary to good-enough-to-get-it-done knowledge in various skills such as woodworking, mold making & casting, computer programming, welding, and machining, etc., though I am far from a master in any of these skills. I tend to think I can figure out how to do things given the right tools and some information, but I realize that I often end up doing things the "wrong" way regardless. It's usually not a problem, as long as it works. That is the luxury of being an artist as opposed to an architect or engineer.
On her blog yesterday, Deborah Fisher wrote about a certain balance of humility and arrogance in being an artist. Here's what I took away after reading it:
First recognize that "true wisdom is to know nothing," then set out to learn everything. I think this is good advice.
Labels: sculpture
posted by Mike at
7:56 AM
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