Trust The Process In Art The Journey Of Creating A Femji Art Piece
Hey guys! I'm so excited to share my artistic journey with you as I delve into the creation of my Femji art piece. Creating art is a process – a beautiful, sometimes messy, often challenging, but always rewarding process. I've just reached the midpoint, and let me tell you, it's been a rollercoaster of emotions, ideas, and artistic explorations. It's at this stage where trust becomes paramount, not just from your audience, but from within yourself. You gotta believe in your vision, even when it looks like a chaotic mess to everyone else (and maybe even to you for a little while!).
The Beauty of the Artistic Process
So, what do I mean by "trust the process"? Well, in the artistic process, there are stages where the artwork might look far from its final form. It might seem disjointed, unbalanced, or even downright ugly. This is especially true in the middle stages. You've laid down the foundation, the initial layers, and you're now building upon that. It's like constructing a building – the scaffolding might look haphazard and the exposed beams might seem out of place, but you know that these are necessary steps to reach the magnificent structure that will eventually stand tall. As artists, we often have a vision in our minds, a final image that we're striving to create. But the path from that initial spark of inspiration to the finished piece is rarely linear. It's full of twists, turns, and unexpected detours. There will be moments of doubt, moments where you question your choices, and moments where you feel like throwing in the towel. It's during these times that trust becomes your greatest ally. Trust in your skills, trust in your vision, and trust in the inherent beauty of the creative journey itself. Embracing the imperfect, the messy, and the uncertain is crucial. It's in those imperfections that the true character of the artwork emerges. It's like life, right? It's not always polished and perfect; it's the imperfections that make it unique and beautiful. I think you will agree with my opinion. To help you better understand, I will provide a process for creating artistic process, so you will understand more about the topic that we are discussing today.
The Initial Spark and Conceptualization
Every great artwork begins with a spark – an idea, an emotion, an image that ignites the creative fire. This initial concept is the seed that will grow into a fully realized piece. For me, with this Femji piece, the spark was a fascination with the strength and resilience of feminine energy. I wanted to capture that power, that grace, that unwavering spirit in my art. This conceptualization phase is like the blueprint stage of a building project. You're mapping out the overall structure, the themes, the composition, and the color palette. It's a crucial step because it provides the foundation for everything that follows. I spent a lot of time brainstorming, sketching, and gathering visual references. I looked at other artists who have explored similar themes, but I also drew inspiration from nature, from mythology, and from my own personal experiences. Don't ever underestimate the power of inspiration. You can get inspiration from everywhere, such as social media, the people around you and the news that you read every day. This is the time to let your imagination run wild, to experiment with different ideas, and to not be afraid to make mistakes. Mistakes can be valuable learning opportunities, leading you down unexpected paths and ultimately enriching your creative process.
Laying the Foundation and Building the Structure
Once you have a clear concept, it's time to start laying the foundation. This is where you begin to translate your ideas onto the canvas, the paper, or whatever medium you're working with. It's the equivalent of pouring the concrete foundation and erecting the framework of a building. For my Femji piece, this involved sketching the initial composition, blocking in the main shapes and forms, and applying the first layers of color. This stage can feel a bit daunting because the artwork is still in its early stages. It might not look anything like the final vision you have in your mind. There might be areas that feel awkward or unbalanced. This is perfectly normal. Remember, you're building a foundation, and foundations often look rough and unfinished. The key is to focus on the underlying structure, the relationships between the different elements, and the overall flow of the composition. Don't get bogged down in the details just yet. Focus on getting the big picture right. This is also a good time to experiment with different techniques and materials. Try out different color combinations, brushstrokes, or textures. Don't be afraid to push your boundaries and try something new. This is how you grow as an artist. If the building is already standing and the foundation is strong, then for sure, this construction can last longer. In art, if the foundation is well built, then the result of your art will also be better.
The Middle Ground: Embracing the Mess and Trusting the Vision
This is where I am now – in the middle ground. This is often the most challenging part of the artistic process, but it's also where the magic happens. It's the stage where the artwork starts to take on a life of its own, where the initial vision begins to evolve and transform. It's also the stage where doubts and insecurities can creep in. You might look at your work and think, "This is a disaster! It's not working!" This is perfectly normal. Every artist experiences these moments of doubt. The key is to not let those doubts paralyze you. Instead, embrace the mess, the uncertainty, and the imperfections. Trust that the process will guide you, that the artwork will eventually reveal itself. For me, the middle stage of this Femji piece involves layering colors, adding textures, and refining the details. I'm working on the expression in the figure's eyes, the flow of the fabric, and the overall atmosphere of the piece. It's a delicate balance between control and letting go, between pushing the artwork in a specific direction and allowing it to evolve organically. There are moments where I feel like I'm completely lost, like I'm wandering in a creative wilderness. But I've learned to trust that those moments are part of the process. They're opportunities to discover new ideas, to experiment with different approaches, and to ultimately create something even better than I initially imagined. Always remember, perfection is the enemy of done. So, don't aim for perfection in the middle of the process. Aim for progress, aim for exploration, and aim for the joy of creating. If you have a hard time in the middle of the process, try to refresh your mind so you can get new ideas for your art.
Why Trusting the Process Matters
Trusting the process is not just a feel-good mantra; it's a practical necessity for any artist. It's the bedrock upon which creative success is built. Without trust, the artistic process becomes a minefield of self-doubt, stifled expression, and abandoned projects. When you trust the process, you give yourself the freedom to experiment, to take risks, and to learn from your mistakes. You're not afraid to make a mess because you know that the mess is often a necessary step on the path to brilliance. It's like learning to walk – you're going to stumble and fall, but you get back up and keep going until you find your stride. This is the same with creating artistic process. If you can trust the process well, for sure you will get used to the process and make it your habit. Here are some key reasons why trusting the process is so important:
Overcoming Creative Blocks
We've all been there – staring at a blank canvas, feeling like the creative well has run dry. Creative blocks are a frustrating reality for artists. But trusting the process can be a powerful tool for breaking through those blocks. When you trust the process, you're not putting pressure on yourself to create a masterpiece right away. You're simply showing up, putting in the work, and allowing the ideas to flow. You might start by doodling, sketching, or experimenting with different materials. You might try freewriting, listening to music, or going for a walk in nature. The key is to engage your senses, to stimulate your imagination, and to get out of your own head. Trust that the ideas will come, that the inspiration will strike, and that the creative block will eventually dissolve. It's like unclogging a drain – you might need to try a few different things, but eventually the water will start to flow freely again. It doesn't matter if your art sucks, you should keep going to hone your skill. But, if you stop and give up, for sure you will not get anything and your skills will not be honed.
Embracing Imperfection
Perfectionism is a creativity killer. When you're striving for perfection, you're setting yourself up for disappointment. Because perfection is an illusion. Nothing is ever truly perfect. Trusting the process means embracing imperfection, accepting that mistakes are inevitable, and learning to see the beauty in the flaws. It's like the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, which celebrates the beauty of imperfection, impermanence, and naturalness. Wabi-sabi recognizes that true beauty lies not in flawless perfection, but in the unique character and history of an object or artwork. When you embrace imperfection, you free yourself from the constraints of self-criticism and self-doubt. You give yourself permission to experiment, to take risks, and to create authentically. You start to see the beauty in the unexpected, the happy accidents, and the quirks that make your work unique. You can also explore your art with embracing imperfection, so your art is your true self. And make your art is the expression of yourself, not from others.
Developing Resilience
The artistic process is not always smooth sailing. There will be setbacks, rejections, and moments of frustration. Trusting the process helps you develop resilience, the ability to bounce back from challenges and keep going even when things get tough. It's like building muscle – the more you work through the challenges, the stronger you become. When you trust the process, you view setbacks as learning opportunities, as chances to grow and improve. You don't let the rejections define you; you use them as motivation to keep honing your skills and pursuing your vision. You understand that the path to success is rarely linear, that it's full of twists, turns, and unexpected detours. But you also know that if you stay persistent, if you keep putting in the work, you will eventually reach your destination. With persistence, you will be able to see the good and the bad that comes your way. So, use your art as a part of life and as a part of healing.
Trust the Process: A Reminder to Myself and to You
So, here I am in the middle of this Femji art piece, reminding myself (and you!) to trust the process. It's not always easy, but it's always worth it. The journey itself is the reward, the exploration, the discovery, and the expression of something deep within. The final result, the finished artwork, is just the cherry on top. I'm excited to see where this piece will take me, what challenges I'll overcome, and what beauty will emerge. I'll keep you guys updated on my progress. In the meantime, remember to trust your own process, in art and in life. Embrace the mess, celebrate the imperfections, and never stop creating. Thank you for joining me on this artistic process and remember to stay creative guys!
