Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Searching inside.....

“Something I’d like to point out is how important it is for any artist, designer, photographer, writer to find our own voice, our own way of doing things, to find ourselves in our work. It is difficult to focus on what we want to do when out there is a vast ocean of inspiration, and I enjoy watching other artists’ work too, but I think it is very important to stop looking outside and start searching inside when it comes to creating our work. I believe this is priority, it’s a way of respecting others as well as respecting ourselves.”

I read this quote by Romina Bacci on someone else's blog and thought it was a nice thing to be reminded of. After 10 years I feel like I am just now finding my voice, how about you?

14 comments:

Peter said...

Hi Tracey,
Really interesting looking back through several of your recent posts, you seem to be going through a very thoughtful process. It's nice and challenging to read too.

To look into what motivates us, and what being "true to self" means for us is something that I suspect we do differently at various points in our life, and with various degrees of urgency.

I guess that where I am at now.., I am feeling like it would be sad to die with a huge list of things that I have not done properly. It will have been good to have done at least one thing really well. I think I can accept my failures if I know that I have tried as hard as I can.

I think that it is important to really care about things, even if that hurts sometimes!

I think that boredom is a human tragedy!

Not quite sure where all that came from... I'd better take a walk in what looks to be lovely spring day out there!
P :)

FetishGhost said...

Boredom is a human tragedy... I am so using that one with my kids!

You have insight, you have the skill, you know what you need to know to do what you want to do, (no small thing)... If it feels right, do it!

FuturePrimitive Soap Co. said...

I like that quote. I find it evermore important to create your own work and to not be too inspired by others. It is hard when you look at blogs and magazines etc a lot of the time...but the trick is to look within for sure. Turn off the TV, flick on the Radio maybe and just think long and hard before the next project..that's what I do anyhoo. I think inspiration from your surroundings (outside) is also a good way to create something, which means everything to just you. To see the actual person inside and behind the creation is what makes it all the more special. Still want one of your barns..! do you sell them?

Judy Shreve said...

Great thoughtful post -- it does seem like you have tapped into a very spiritual creative place for you. And it's been wonderful reading about it in your blog! And seeing the great work come from 'that place.'

I understand the need to find your voice. For years I took every class & workshop I could find and then worked as an apprentice at an clay place for a couple of years -- but this past year I worked entirely on my own -- and I have learned more this year than ever before. Working with clay-- and glazes - can certainly challenge - some days the clay doesn't cooperate with my voice -- lol!

Kari Weaver said...

After an early life of discomfort and angst, I'm happy to find myself on the edge of being comfortable in my own skin as an artist. I will still learn, and my work will continue to evolve. Meanwhile I am awash in the knowledge that I am doing now what I want to do forever.

Tracey, the story of your journey is part of what keeps the rest of us seeking. Keep writing and creating.

I love Peter's boredom comment. I've heard that word at least 1000 times this summer...

Tracey Broome said...

I agree with all of you on the boredom comment, I will be using that one for sure! Peter, I too, think it would be great to finally get something right! My mom used to say that I never finished anything that I started, sooo...
I too, worked in a community studio and took lots of workshops and it seemed that I was always copying something and I couldn't find my own voice. I think the blogging keeps me honest. I don't want to put up images and have someone think "oh that looks just like ___'s
work".
I also like "if it feels good do it". Should be my mantra :)

Tracey Broome said...

Tig, I forgot, yes I sell the barns, but you are on the generosity list remember?!

Anonymous said...

it's a wonderful quote... not sure about having found a voice, i'm sure there's one there but it keeps changing. you seem to be getting a lot of great work done lately looking back a couple posts... the houses are totally cool

Tracey Broome said...

Thanks Jim, I think you totally have a voice, loud and clear!!! I can easily recognize a piece as yours when I see a photo. That's what I'm aiming for....

Hollis Engley said...

I'm always looking for the voice. Whatever it's saying. There are times when I think I've found it, then I hear something else talking ...

Vicki Wenderlich said...

Thanks for the quote, and your comment about just now finding your voice after 10 years. I've just started on that journey and it's nice to know it's worth it :]

Tracey Broome said...

Hollis, sometimes I hear multiple voices too, I just follow the loudest one. Hi Vicki, yep, it's never too late!!

DirtKicker Pottery said...

I don't worry about finding a style that is distinctly my own anymore. My focus is more learning new techniques which give me inspiration. The only consistency in my work is inconsistency. I love having freedom to change direction without fear of straying style identity.

Tracey Broome said...

Yep,that's pretty much where I have been and probably where I will go again, nothing wrong with that if you are having fun, I say! Just look at the article from Studio Potter, I have a nice green pear in the photo layout, seen me make any of those lately:)