This is a guest post written by Kristi Backman, artist & art coach.
2.3 Harp by Kristi Backman
STEP 1: IDENTIFYING YOUR ARTISTIC VOICE
Art is a product of creativity; which is a collection of original thoughts developed in one’s imagination. So, when you get down to the nature of art, it’s very fluid and dynamic. Then why is there this concept of a static artistic style?
The idea that an artist has to pick one style and stick with it forever is a fallacy. True creativity is energetic and needs room to grow and evolve. In addition, art is a reflection of the person that makes it, therefore it’s natural that it evolves as we do.
"Art is a reflection of the person that makes it, therefore it's natural that it evolves as we do."
Those of us who went to art school are often taught that artists have one definitive style. This is reinforced through our whirlwind tour of art history when we are introduced to hundreds of artists and only see one or two examples of their work. In defense of art school, they really only have time to help you create one style before you go. However, they could mention the need for change and give you the tools to do this effectively.
Developing an artistic voice is important and is the responsibility of any creative professional. However, it is important to allow for growth as well. In order to do that you have to identify the constants and driving forces of your work.
Art is a reflection of who we are as individuals, so the first step in developing your style is to know yourself. Aspects of identity that often influence art include: race, ethnicity, gender, community, role in society, social standing, sexuality, relationships, life experiences, spirituality, dreams and goals, age and personal history, opinions and viewpoints, education, hobbies and interests. Which issues resonate with you the most? You need a good understanding of who you are, and this is a lifelong journey. Therefore, it’s no surprise that many artists explore identity in their work throughout their lifetime.
Artistic style includes three primary components: the application of art elements, media and process, and concept. Basically, what you are saying and how you choose to say it.
First, let’s look at the art elements. Visual style is created through a deliberate application of the basic elements of art: line, shape, texture, color, space, value.
All art styles can be analyzed in terms of their art elements.
For example, Cubism emphasizes rectilinear lines and shapes. The color palette is often earth tones, using a full range of value. There is not much negative space and the texture reflects the paint strokes used.
While Film Noir is a black and white palette with strong value contrast using predominantly dark tones. There is a good deal of negative space and often more simplified compositions. It has a gritty texture and uses bold lines and shapes primarily through value.
Review your work. What are the trends you identify? Are you drawn to a specific color palette? What types of lines and shapes do you most often use? How do you create texture and value? How do you treat your space? Do you integrate a lot of negative space or tend to fill your composition?
These trends identify your personal aesthetics and while they can change as well, this tends to be a slower evolution and we often maintain some general consistency.
The impact of media and process is also important and directly affects your visual style. I am a mixed media artist – meaning I use a variety of materials to make my work. I am constantly fascinated with new possibilities and I love to explore. However, I primarily rely on clay, fiberglass, and acrylic paint as my foundational media.
Finding a medium or series of media is important. This is not a limitation; it actually allows you to grow in other ways like exploring technique and process. Each medium contributes something to the visual style and impacts its appearance. So, if or when the time comes to change your media, you would then look to the concept and/or art elements to maintain your voice.
"Visual artists communicate with imagery, even when it is simply shape and color."
Now let’s explore concept. Visual artists communicate with imagery, even when it is simply shape and color. So what are you trying to say? Expression is the communication of personal, cultural, and aesthetic experiences and meaning.
I have had students say they have no intent; they create art simply because it makes them happy. In that case, joy will emerge as the message because, intentionally or not, we are communicating. However, in order to be authentic, it is important to be self-aware as to what we are saying.
Keep in mind art can be anything you want, it does not need to be serious or deep, it can be whimsical and funny. Regardless, remember that art is a visual language.
STEP 2: STYLE TRANSITIONS & ARTISTIC VOICE
Stylistic evolution happens in a variety of ways. You may have created something that you think is amazing but is very different from your previous work. Or you may long for change and feel stuck but are not sure what direction to go. Transitions can occur abruptly or be slow progressions.
A creative block is often an indication that something needs to change. If you are stuck, then it is time for some reflection as to what you want to do. In that case review the elements, media, and concepts you have used and what you are drawn to. Be open to exploring new ideas and techniques. Don’t limit yourself by what you think you ‘should do’, be open to change and experimentation.
"A creative block is often an indication that something needs to change."
If you’ve made something different, then make more. See if it still resonates and if it feels like an evolution or simply an exploration.
When in doubt, just keep making art.
There is no point in agonizing over this issue until it really becomes a transition. Allow yourself the freedom to explore and experiment. Sometimes once we give ourselves that permission, we feel more confident in our choices.
Style can have a dramatic and abrupt change; when this happens, it can often be traced back to a specific experience. One example of this is Artemisia Gentileschi. She was a Renaissance artist trained by her father (also an artist) to do portrait work. Unfortunately, she was sexually assaulted during the course of a commissioned portrait. This not only had a dramatic impact on her personal life, but also her professional one. From that point on she embraced her identity as a female artist and painted powerful women who demonstrate all aspects of strength. She depicted stories from mythology and the bible, accepted sources of the time, to do so. She still painted realistic figures, but her message changed.
There are times when an artist will have a dramatic change and the reality is in these cases your audience may also change. It will be a transition, but you will be able to find a new audience. However, you may maintain your current audience and simply widen the net.
I’m not sure about you, but my music playlist is very eclectic. People are multi-faceted. So, when faced with this type of transition, the important questions you have to ask yourself are: where is the change coming from and why do you need to make this work?
"It is essential to be true to your artistic voice and what you are passionate about creating."
Sometimes style is a gradual and progressive change. Pablo Picasso is a great example of this, as is Piet Mondrian. They both began with realism and evolved to abstract and non-objective styles in accordance to both personal interests and experience as well as cultural influence. You may know one or two of their famous works, but I challenge you to review their life’s work and see their dynamic progression.
I think another helpful way to think of this issue is to consider your favorite author. They may have multiple series and when you are reading a particular series, it feels tightly related. But when you compare that to another series, it may be very different. However, they are probably your favorite author for a reason.
Do you like their writing style? The characters they tend to create? The genre? The twists and turns of plot? Oftentimes it is several factors that contribute to their voice, a voice you enjoy. Now this does not mean you will love all their work, but you will at least give it a chance even when it appears different.
Remember that your art is a reflection of you in some way, regardless of the specific message. You are allowed to change, so permit yourself the freedom to explore, experiment, and play. Then go back and review the elements, media, and concepts to identify trends and find a way to refine that modified artistic voice. Step back and look at your body of work. What are the overall trends? You probably have not ‘changed’ as much as you fear.
"One last thought: All the famous artists we know and love did not succeed because they did what someone told them they had to do. They worked from a space of authentic creativity."
Kristi is being incredibly generous and offering all my readers a FREE critique & analysis session where she’ll take a look at your work and help you tease out important things like common threads in your work, what you might be missing to take your work to the next level, or what subjects and themes you should be tackling next. She’s a brilliant instructor and has many years experience teaching in higher education. You can set up your session with Kristi over here.
Kristi Backman is a fine artist, art coach, and art instructor living in Aurora, Colorado. Her artwork explores culture through creating sculptural artifacts from imagined civilizations. In addition to her own studio work, she also has over 15 years of experience teaching in higher education, 12 of those at the Art Institute of Colorado in Denver. Her role as an art coach allows her to assist individual artists by providing feedback and direction. Kristi is passionate about sharing her knowledge and experience with others to inspire and guide their artistic journey.
