The Messy Studio with Rebecca Crowell - Episodes Tagged with “Practice”

Episode 220: The Blank Canvas

Rebecca Crowell — Sat, 10 Sep 2022 15:00:00 -0500

Beginning a work of art is a leap into the unknown. Facing a blank canvas or panel or sheet of drawing paper, a lump of clay, a block of wood, a freshly prepared litho stone, or the untouched material of any art form is exhilarating but also a bit intimidating. How do you approach starting new work? Do you feel the energy of a fresh start, or is there some worry about how things will go? How do you overcome resistance to starting something new? Today we will talk about the ups and downs in launching into new work.

The beginning stages of your work challenges you with the question of "now what"? What, if anything, are you ready to change in your work? What urges and new ideas are you entertaining? These questions impact all people who are producing creative work, because we never rest long on past accomplishments. New beginnings are the part of the creative cycle that keep us moving forward.

How you respond to beginning new work depends on where you are in that cycle. At different times, starting fresh work can affect you differently. If your ideas are flowing well, you probably are excited about the new work. The question of what’s next brings a positive, confident feeling. If you're struggling though, it’s time for some serious reflection about your work, and trying to pinpoint where the problems are coming from. Another difficult situation can be feeling self-imposed pressure if you're previous piece was very successful. You may worry about being able to reach that level again. Understanding that progress takes time and multiple stages in which you integrate new skills and ideas is important. Another situation that affects how you approach new work is when you have a commitment or event that you’re working toward. In that case, there is a bigger context because you will be thinking about creating work that will show well together or that fits a specific theme.

While there are certainly difficulties or challenges with facing the metaphoric bank canvas, you can access positive aspects no matter where you are in the creative cycle. The fresh start, the sense of limitless possibilities is exciting, and there is a special energy when you have yet to make the first move on the new work. That is something to cultivate, to look forward to, and respect because every time you approach a new piece, you are showing commitment to your work, and a certain optimism that keeps you moving forward.

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What's new at Cold Wax Academy?
As their summer programming comes to a close this month, Rebecca and Jerry are busy planning for their online sessions for Fall Quarter which begins October 5th. If you are already a member, please respond to the survey Jerry sent out asking for member input on what you'd like to learn more about or delve into more deeply in upcoming online sessions. As instructors, Rebecca and Jerry are always aiming to increase member participation and involvement--one of the many valuable aspects of Cold Wax Academy. If you're not a member yet, this is a great time to join, catch up on all past recordings, and enjoy their interactive online sessions.
Please visit http://www.coldwaxacademy.com for more information.

Also-- stay tuned for information coming soon about Rebecca and Jerry's newest project, Espacio, dedicated to providing beautiful living and working spaces for artists and writers. Espacio's first offering is Casa Clavel, a modern, fully equipped house opening this September in the beautiful cultural city of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. You can learn more and make a reservation by emailing info@coldwaxacademy.com. A dedicated Espacio website is coming soon!

Here is what a member named Sandy has to say about her own experience with Cold Wax Academy:
"Rebecca and Jerry have presented the most professional, authentic and structured approach to a creative activity I have ever come across. Their selfless sharing of all their knowledge and encouragement is a gift in my life unsurpassed."

Have an art related product, service, or event you would like to advertise on the Messy Studio Podcast?
Email Ross at rticknor.core@gmail.com for current mid-roll advertising rates.

For more from The Messy Studio:
www.messystudiopodcast.com
www.facebook.com/messystudiopodcast

For more from Rebecca Crowell:
www.rebeccacrowell.com
www.coldwaxacademy.com

The Messy Studio Podcast is a Tick Digital Media Production.

Episode 189: Interview with Jim Scherbarth

Rebecca Crowell — Sat, 25 Sep 2021 12:00:00 -0500

James Edward Scherbarth was a dear friend, colleague, and teacher, and artist who developed profound and personal ways of working in just a few years following his retirement in his mid-60s. Today we share our interview with Jim near the end of his life in which he discusses his life, work, and teaching philosophy. Jim passed away a few days aftert this recording, on June 22, 2021. We are very honored to have had this opportunity to hear what he wished to share with our listeners.

www.messystudiopodcast.com/blick

Rebecca and her partner at Cold Wax Academy, Jerry McLaughlin are wrapping up their Summer Quarter and have announced their lineup of topics for both the Fall Quarter and into 2022. Their weekly live, interactive sessions this Fall will focus on Techniques and Processes involved in developing a painting and on expanding ways of using cold wax in such areas as printmaking and photography.

All sessions are recorded and fully accessible in the Member Library, and you can watch and rewatch at your own pace. In addition, joining at any time gives you access to all the perks of membership and the benefits of being part of a growing, knowledgable community of other artists.

Here is what a member named Sandy has to say about her own experience:
"Rebecca and Jerry have presented the most professional, authentic and structured approach to a creative activity I have ever come across. Their selfless sharing of all their knowledge and encouragement is a gift in my life unsurpassed."

Special Guest: Jim Scherbarth.

Episode 154: The WOW Factor

Rebecca Crowell — Sat, 28 Nov 2020 15:00:00 -0600

Words like “wow,” “stunning,” and “amazing” are music to the ears of many artists. We all create plenty of art that elicits no more than a passing glance or Instagram “like” and that’s fine—it’s part of the process. If we are making art constantly, what we make includes a range of qualities and ideas. But what is it about those special pieces that makes them stand out and really engage the viewer? What can we learn from them and what questions do they raise?

If art is communication, our work that really engage people is telling us something. We are connecting, speaking to other people in ways that they can receive and respond to.

When a piece both pleases us and feels true, and engages the viewer in a strong way, what characteristics does it tend to have? First, the work shows a strong sense of purpose or intention. That may come through in in subject matter, color or other visual elements, scale, or any aspect of the work that has a certain boldness to it. The work also arises from personal meaning—it is sincere, authentic, not derivative--what we call personal voice.

Very impactful work also typically shows a mastery of technique and high levels of craftsmanship, although that alone may not carry the piece, if expression is not also part of the work. Finally, we respond to beauty, in the sense of work that has depth, power, and meaning,

Finding ways in our work to stay true to our own ideas and communicate with others in a strong and engaging way is one of those life-long challenges that we take on as artists. We will have pieces that hit that mark and many others that do not. Paying attention to our work that does fit both criteria is worthwhile—not to repeat it in a formulaic way-- but to try and understand what it has to teach us.

Right now is THE BEST time of the year to buy art supplies at Blick.com! Cyber sales are active all weekend while supplies last! Get your art supplies for your art practice (as well as gifts and stocking stuffers) at a massive discount, and support the podcast at the same time by using our affiliate link.
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Thanks to everyone who has been sharing the show and those who have donated anonymously via PayPal. If you would like your own shoutout on the podcast donate here.

Cold Wax Academy (formerly Squeegee Press) would like everyone who enjoys using their special cold wax tools to know that all sizes of SP Create squeegees are back in stock! Rebecca and her partner Jerry McLaughlin are also launching their online live learning sessions as part of the new membership program, and all sessions will be recorded for future viewing by members. For more information, and to become a member of Cold Wax Academy please visit their website at http://www.coldwaxacademy.com and click on the Membership button.

Have an art related product, service, or event you would like to advertise on the Messy Studio Podcast?
Email Ross at rticknor.core@gmail.com for current mid-roll advertising rates.

For more from The Messy Studio:
www.messystudiopodcast.com
www.facebook.com/messystudiopodcast

For more from Rebecca Crowell:
www.rebeccacrowell.com
www.coldwaxacademy.com

The Messy Studio Podcast is a CORE Publication MGMT production.