I'm often asked by collectors, online followers, and those exploring my work: "How do you stay motivated between seasons, shows, and sales? What drives you to keep producing, and where do the ideas come from?" The answer is simple, really—it comes from within. Once the creative journey is unlocked, it's hard to put it back in the box. You never see anything the same way again. Sketchbook after sketchbook, experience after experience, photo after photo—the process continues. Once you teach yourself to see and realize that no other person sees things the way you do, the rest of your creative journey is about carving out the time you need to quiet your mind, to invest, to explore, to experiment with expressing what you see to others, and to capture that moment to share. It becomes a passion to get the idea, moment, and expression out of you and onto the paper or canvas.
Embarking on the artistic voyage is not just about brushstrokes and color palettes; it's about navigating the uncharted currents—the ebbs and flows—of constant creativity and distractions of what to focus on. The motivation and interest are always present, but it's important to create a ritual for getting started—a space, a place, a method that allows you to enter that so called “headspace” easily and consistently, without distractions, especially in the absence of a commission or an immediate pending sale as a motivator. I realized long ago that the creative journey is like a painting itself, and the canvas holds more than just paint—it holds the essence of the passion to explore a place, the dedication to see something that others miss or do not plainly see, and to work on expressive use of color and capturing the flow of a place in a moment in time, sometimes over and over again.
Capturing the Immeasurable: Art is more than just a thing; it's another language that transcends normal forms of communication. It's about capturing the beauty in everything, translating emotions and feelings onto the canvas. It's about creating a visual expression that speaks to the soul, a language that resonates regardless of the latest trends—something that endures.
Art as a Personal Story: The creative journey is like old sketchbooks and journals in the way that each piece is a chapter in the ongoing story of life. It draws you in to emphasize all the details and sheds light on the little moments. For me, it's like pausing a moment in time and writing its own story. My motivation lies not just in how the artwork turns out, but in the evolving story of my artistic exploration within a single moment—a personal story that ends up shaping both me and the art.
Beyond the Marketplace: Often, I see the art market shifting with demands and trends. I believe collectors see beyond them and, over time, seek to understand the artist, the motivation, and the depth in a work. In my mind, the act of creation should be a form of freedom, a cathartic process that allows me as the artist to transcend the expectations of others and dive into the pure joy of crafting something meaningful. The satisfaction that comes from the creative act itself is a reward that fuels the desire to continue on this path. Commerce may come when the works and the collectors are on the same path, but rushing it may not only affect the outcome of the work but also distract from the joys of creating something special.
The Ripple Effect: Art has this magical ability to immortalize moments in time, turning them into echoes that can resonate across generations. Whether it becomes a statement of emotion, experiences, and perspectives immortalized in time should not be dependent on finding a buyer or collector. One thing I've learned is that there is an art piece out there for everyone. Much of the journey is about allowing people to see your work, letting them see your process, letting them see your experiments. It is a journey, and any collectors I've met want to be on that journey with you.
Crafting a Visual Legacy: In conclusion, what keeps me constantly creating new works of art (even when they're not destined for a predetermined wall space) is rooted in the value I derive from the journey of creating each piece or series. It's about capturing what I believe is immeasurable—the opportunity to craft and recraft a personal story, and contributing to an artistic legacy that will outlive me. So, as I navigate these creative currents, I invite you to join me in exploring the point of view of our world without external pressures and with a focus on exploration.
I love the questions about the works, where they are from, and what inspired me. I will do my best to capture the stories along with the art so that you feel invited to join me in this journey through time and experiences, unphased by external pressures.
Thanks for Reading - Andrew
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