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 ~
