Surrendering to the Process.
I recently asked hundreds of artists, what is the best advice you’d give an artist just starting with encaustics.
I received loads of amazing tips and advice and noticed there was a predominant theme around surrendering to the process…..ranging from enjoying the process, to letting go, being patient, and not overthinking.
This reminded me of an example Laura Valenti used in one of her courses. “A friend of mine works for an environmental group and often leads free, community hikes. He talks about there being two kinds of hikers – the hikers who forge ahead quickly to reach the summit, and the hikers who move more slowly, enjoying the journey and the sights along the way. Let’s resolve to be slow hikers with our photography. We’ll eventually reach the summit, but there are many wonderful places to explore first.”
I often go into the studio with preconceived notions of how I want to the work to turn out. But wax seems to have a mind of its own and I oftentimes forget that. When I try to force the process I’m often disappointed. But on those occasions when I remember to surrender and listen to my intuition, even if it’s not what I had originally planned, I’m more likely to create work that makes my heart sing.
Don’t get me wrong, not every piece I make knocks it out of the park. Making unsuccessful pieces is also part of the process that we need to surrender to. You might be surprised at the number of times I rip the image off the board and start over again. Sometimes I’m sad to see them go, other times not so much. But I always know that there is value in what I learned in the process of creating that image. Failure is inevitable if you are a creative. It’s a necessary part of the process. (A few years back I wrote a post on how we should be all be members of the Fail Club.)
Like most people I don’t surrender easily. We’ve been taught that being in control makes us strong. Surrendering is weak. But creativity can’t flourish under pressure. One thing that Covid-19 is teaching me is that surrendering is anything but weak. But it does require trust and courage. It’s in this very process of letting go that I’m able to listen to my intuition and hone my instincts, vision and unique point of view.
And through the power of surrendering to the process, I’m able to create more amazing art than I could have imagined.
Let me hear from you. What do you do when you want to surrender to the process? I’d love for you to join the conversation.
Be well….be creative,
I started encaustics out of a photography group. I was bored taking pictures and wanted a new beginning. I researched encaustics, got the supplies and started. Then as I got better I needed hands on help and found Clare’s class. Several of the people in my class were amazed that I would just start out without any notion of how to work this medium. But I never expect perfect results, I am always in the experimental stage, even if I hit one out of the box. So what is the best thing about encaustics? The heat gun! Don’t like it? Zio that heat gun right out and it is gone. And while it is melting away and you are tearing off the photograph something magical happens and you get a fabulous background and a new start. What could be better. You can over work your canvas and then make it disappear when you know you went too far. Give it up to the universe, it -is only photos and wax, you get as many do overs as you want. It is not the Olympics, there is no competition, just fun!
So true Peggy, this should all be fun and most certainly not a competition. One of the things I love about encaustics is the serendipity that comes from working with the medium. You never really know what is going to happen. You can control it as best you can, but when you give it up to the universe, anything can happen:)
Wow Clare, Very Powerful Words of wisdom
Thanks Koko!
I’m starting to learn to slow down and enjoy the process. It is not about finishing a piece it is about working through it, creative problem solving, which then helps to expand my vision. Often times I end up with something deeper and more meaningful than my original idea.
Isn’t it so amazing to send up with something deeper and more meaningful than your original idea……I love it. And you are indeed creating amazing pieces. Keep at it:)
Your insight is always so helpful when one is struggling. Thank you!
Thanks Jeannette. I’ve come to just accept that there are many struggles that come hand in hand with creating art.
Your words always resonate with me and seem to arrive right when I need them. I guess that’s why you’re such a good teacher. Thank you.
Thank you Jann. Always makes me feel good to know my words land and resonate.
This is a striking thought. I frequently feel guilty about trying out new encaustic techniques. After 13 years, I tell myself, I should have settled down and found my encaustic “groove”. But each day begins anew with the process of excitement.
Nothing like the excitement of a new piece……here’s to making great work in 2023.