self-assignments
January 9, 2007Lately I’ve been feeling a little blocked creatively. I’m still doing the work (because when it won’t come and a deadline is looming one must force it) but it doesn’t feel fun or alive when your heart isn’t in it. So I’ve challenged myself to do 10 self-assignments to mix things up and help me think creatively without being tied to what I normally do… No dwelling on outcome. Just loose creative for fun. (”Think outside the box, Pen.” my mom always says.) I’ve completed one so far.
Assignment #1 was to create a work of art from found natural objects. So I went on a walk and gathered anything I thought was pretty: sticks, spanish moss, leaves, bits of bark, berries, seed pods, pine needles. Then I went home to start on my piece. Here are my materials:
I laid all the materials out on the counter and put a white sheet of paper down on my work table. I started putting the objects together in different ways. At first I tried to use everything I had gathered, but then I started to edit it down to more simple pairings. I ended up doing four different arrangements. See results below.
This assignment was a good start I think. It made me slow down to look around me when I was on my walk, noticing the textures and colors instead of zipping by. It forced me to be in the moment. Then I got to come back and create something totally out of my realm. The results aren’t smashing, but the push out of my comfort zone was just the thing to shake off some dust. I’m looking forward to the next nine assignments…
January 9th, 2007 at 4:25 pm
The first one is my favorite.
Definitely keep posting your “self-assignments” - others may use them for inspiration too!
January 9th, 2007 at 6:02 pm
This is a fun idea. Always nice to see what you are up to.
January 9th, 2007 at 6:51 pm
This is great! Where are you getting your assignment ideas from?
January 9th, 2007 at 7:22 pm
Thanks for the encouragement!
Scarlet: I am just making them up for myself… :)
January 9th, 2007 at 8:00 pm
I LOVE the third one down–what a great design for a huge wall-sculpture out of iron!
January 9th, 2007 at 8:44 pm
The arrangements/photos are beautiful, Penelope! The first two look like jewelry a woodland fairy would wear. Can you imagine a real jewelry line made up of leaf, seed and twig shapes? I really like the lines of the third arrangement. What are your other nine projects? If you list them, maybe we can do them together…no pressure…just a thought. :)
January 10th, 2007 at 12:52 am
I envy your strength to push yourself out of a low point. Whenever I lack inspiration, I usually feel so down I can’t get myself out of the couch to do anything, let alone assign myself not one, but ten different projects! Hopefully this is a lesson for me, because I love the outcome and I’m positive it’ll bring back the creative mood. Well done!
January 10th, 2007 at 8:26 am
These are wonderful - I can see them on display in one of those “window box” frames. I may just have to follow your example and create some of my own this weekend. Thank you!
January 10th, 2007 at 8:27 am
The spikey things (are they chestnuts?) remind me of making clover flower chain necklaces as a child.
Very cool way to find inspiration, what you are doing!
:)
January 10th, 2007 at 8:37 am
i like it! it is fun to play when the fun has gone out of the work for the moment.
try duct tape. it is so weird.
xo
susan
January 10th, 2007 at 10:50 am
LOVE IT. Is this a result of the walk I made you go on? Hee.
January 10th, 2007 at 6:26 pm
this was so fun to read and to see your lovely creations from nature. my father in-law only uses natural stuff he finds on his walks to create art. it is so inspiring and refreshing. xxoo
January 11th, 2007 at 3:15 am
You should glue that stuff to a board and sell it! Someone will buy it cause it’s cute and because Penelope made it!
January 12th, 2007 at 6:16 pm
i love that you know how to take care of yourself and that you actually do it. you are such a proactive gal!
January 14th, 2007 at 1:56 pm
I absolutely love this. I picked up a few of these thorny things the other day myself and put them in my studio. Not sure what I am going to do with them yet, but I know they will get used.
First time visiting your blog and must say, I will definately return.
Artfully,
Tia
http://thesoulschamber.com
January 15th, 2007 at 10:16 am
Those are all really pretty!
January 16th, 2007 at 2:03 am
hi there, this assignment idea sounds like fun, i only just saw it now. i don’t really know you guys though, only through visiting and participating in IF and seeing the blogs, so as it is on your blog and not on IF i thought i should ask first… can I play too? (i feel like the new little kid in the playground!) by the way, your laughing idea sounds like a great idea! i wish you much laughing in 2007! by the way - do you know the british artist andy goldsworthy? he is completely amazing with his land art and does some really, really mind-blowing work - i think you might just like him…
January 16th, 2007 at 6:39 am
Shadowsandclouds: YES! Play with us! :)
May 29th, 2008 at 4:00 am
Dear Penelope,
This assignment is a wonderful tool. Do you mind if I borrow it to inspire my new high school students? Did your high school teacher have an influence on you? If so, can you talk a little about that influence? Keep up the wonderful play. My Fibers professor encouraged our class the same way. Art should be fun-keep the child alive!
Pamela
August 26th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
[...] here to read about [...]