Being an introvert, I'm learning, is not such a bad thing. I enjoy people and meaningful relationships, but spare me the drama or too much small talk. Mostly I look forward to time spent alone or with a few close friends. Being an introvert, or at least being able to tap into our introvert side, may be necessary for the creative process. Creativity requires introspection. Introspection for the most part requires being alone (although I would agree meaningful conversation is very useful too).
I've tended to resist the idea of being an introvert, assuming that it was a result of some lack of confidence or a low self esteem. I'm sure earlier in my life that was partly or largely the case. But as I "mature" (i.e., age) and become more and more comfortable in my own skin, I'm appreciating, not just accepting, this about myself.
A friend recently posted this interesting link:
"10 Myths About Introverts". I don't necessarily agree on all points, but I found it interesting and could relate to a lot of what the writer is saying.
As far as painting is concerned, this quote by Walter Tandy Murch, (1907–1967), an important still life painter, appeared recently on the
Painting Perceptions site. Mr. Murch was clearly a fellow introvert:
"What does the mind wander to the most while just painting. For me, the
secret seems to be paint the Best (controlled) way you can and to your
utmost. But while painting let the mind go way out in space. Let the
mind wish or desire for the things you know should be (but are not). Let
the mind correct what is wrong. Usually the subject you happen to be
working on determines to a great extent the path the mind takes. A whole
new world exists and moves in the mind while actually making a painting
. . . But the thing to remember is that the world that the mind returns
to the most will come out, will show in the completed picture . . ."
Painting is not a mindless exercise, and it requires a lot of time spent alone in a room. Thankfully, I'm quite alright with that.
... in Need of Drama
I'm finding that it's very difficult at this relatively early stage of my painting to create drama where there is none. Eventually I hope to get better at that. Lately I've been working on finding ordinary subjects and trying to make something a little extraordinary. This is one fundamental definition of art. But it sure helps if there's a little drama already built into the subject! I need to try a little harder to find those dramatic moments of light and shadow, which almost never fail in painting.
I like this painting (above) that I did yesterday. But then, this morning as I was leaving for work, I noticed that the angle of the morning sun coming through the door created this amazing pattern of light and shadow on the wall under the peg board. Looks like I'll be painting this quiet little corner of the world again.
Posted in Random. Updated 07/29/2011.
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