The Messy Studio with Rebecca Crowell

Episode 264: Interpreting Experience: Abstract Approaches

October 18th, 2023  |  35 mins 1 sec

abstraction, art, creativity, essence, interpreting work, rebecca crowell, style, visual ideas

We may think of abstract painting as exploring the visual elements and the process of painting strictly for their own sakes, but that’s only one kind of abstract work. Many abstract artists have a more personal approach, in which aspects of their lives, memories and experiences fuel their work. They want to feel a direct connection between their inner lives and what they create. But finding ways to interpret these personal sources in abstract terms is a big challenge. Without obvious subject matter, how can you express an experience, tell a personal story, or evoke a memory? Today we’ll talk about some approaches to abstraction when very personal expression is the goal.