Mar 28, 2011

Process vs. Product


I've read that artists are either process or product oriented.  So, what motivates you to create?  Are you in love with the process involved in making art, or is your mind and heart focused on the final, lovely creation?  Let's look at some of the elements that are involved, as we sort this out.

We'll start with process, since that comes first anyway.  Part of the process of making art often includes learning new techniques - reading books, taking classes, visiting museums - that's all fun!

Next, we take those techniques and try to mold them to our vision.  There is tactile joy here - the softness of roving, smooth cool beads, juicy paints, or the touch of an instrument's keys or strings.  This hands-on period can also be an emotional roller coaster, one moment we're exhilarated, the next in despair.

For most artists, time spent making art is a meditation - 
their studio is their sanctuary, a place to rejuvenate their mind and body.


Now, let's look at our finished artwork (product) and see how we feel about that.  Every piece of art we make holds a bit of our soul within it.  Our art is like our children in this respect, thus we love our finished pieces ~ except the bombs, of course.

Our art may appeal to our practical nature, also. 
 We can wear, gift, decorate with, or even eat our creations!

Finally, our finished pieces can be shared with others - in galleries, lecture or music halls, with friends and family, or on the internet.  These are the glamour, social moments in the art cycle, when the hard work has been done and we get to bask in the light of compliments and admiration.

So, are you a process or product lover? 
 Even if you're a fence-sitter, which way do you lean?

P.S.  Although I love my art "children", I am a process person.

Wishing you a wonderful, process and product filled day ~


20 comments:

Kathryn Dyche said...

I definitely lean more towards the process side . . . that's where I lose myself and get such great pleasure. That said nothing beats the joy of seeing someone connect with a piece you've created and knowing that it will be on display in their home.

kelly@thebluemuse said...

I am more of a process person, especially when writing and creating images. With my jewelry, I probably lean more towards product, but there are hours there where I get lost in the process as well. Great post Anna!

windrock studio said...

Process, for sure. Even when I'm not working on something, I love to have the tools, fabrics, etc. close by to see and touch, to be inspired.
I love this finished piece in the photo above, really beautiful.

Maureen said...

Hi Anna
I'm a project person. I imagine the finished product and can't wait to get there. This can be a problem, however, as often I rush through the process with disappointing results. My goal is to slow down and focus more on the process, find the balance. Lovely post, and I love seeing a close up of your beautiful work.

Jamie said...

This took some thought - I think I'm a product person who wishes she were a process person.

Kim Klassen said...

oh yes... i do believe i am a process person.....
if i'm painting.... it's the mess... the beautiful colors, the brushes... the flow....
if I"m taking pictures...it's the lens, the light, the angle....

'sigh'....

wonderful thoughts anna.... xxo, Kim

julie said...

What a well written piece! I could relate to every single point you made! And I love that you understand the roller coaster of emotions!! It is a real love/hate relationship I have with my paintings. I really just want to have the painting finished. Making my jewelry is more a process...I can get lost for hours. Same with photography...that is definately a process I thoroughly enjoy. So I think I am both, process & project! Your work is so pretty!!

Tanya said...

Such an interesting article Anna. While I'm not an artist, when I do create I think I'm a product person for sure. Sometimes the process seems tedious to me, and the end result is what I keep my eye on!

Shelley said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Shelley said...

I've rushed thru many projects all my life focusing on the 'product'. Now that my kids are grown and I have a little more time to focus, I realize that the process can be a part to be enjoyed, not endured! A beautiful, thought provoking post. Thank you Anna!

Marcie said...

Not sure I've ever considered it quite like this. I think I'm process..all process. All about the love of the capture and creation. Whatever the product might be - is nothing other than the icing on the cake.

Anna said...

Thanks everyone for stopping by to comment on your creative lives! It is so fun to hear your stories :)

urban muser said...

hmm, i am a fence sitter, leaning towards the product i think!

dbalyoz said...

ohhhh..i love, love, love your dragonfly. process or product?? both I think. but sometimes when I look at a finished image, it seems 'apart' from me but beautiful. there is a gift in both. :)

Chantal said...

marvelous if you can create this with needle and thread

Gayle said...

Oh how I love what you said about how every piece of our finished work holds a piece of our soul. I am a process person, it is in the creating that I find joy.

Laura lok said...

i think more the process is my style. I spend a lot of time thinking and playing before getting to the end result. LOVE LOVE LOVE this dragonfly.

ByLightOfMoon said...

I adore your dragonfly! Thanks for the inspiration!
Smiles, Cyndi

Prairie Girl Studio said...

thanks so much for pulling at my thoughts here, anna!
i sometimes have a hard time getting to the process as i am too focussed on the end result but as soon as i am 'into' the process, it is then that i am most happiest. there is such an amazing feeling of achievement when complete, but not so much for the end product, but the feeling the process gives along the way ...
thank you SO much for this perfect, though provoking post!!
and for sharing your beautiful work of art ... : )
xoxo
prairiegirl

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