Comfortable Patterns
Getting too comfortable in our medium and subject can be dangerous — the next step after comfortable is dependent leading to entrenchment. Slightly comfortable is a nice place to be though, I must admit. Changing mediums has pointed out to me that my natural inclination is toward pattern and repetition. Repeating verticals and echoing a shape are satisfying — I’m sure it has to do with the search for stability but that’s getting too deep.
I think recognizing our natural tendencies as we work is a strength. It’s where our style originates if the tendency is a positive one. If not, we can recognize where we need to stretch and break our internal “rules”. I believe that when style is forced, created intentionally, then it shows in the work. And to defy our natural color sense and form choices leads to being “any painter, anywhere”.
As I experiment in encaustic, trying out different methods and ideas, I’m going to give myself permission to settle on the ideas that feel right for me. And I probably won’t explore the routes that I know aren’t my interest and therefore not natural. I hope I’m not accidentally limiting myself but I think I know myself as an artist well enough to make some decisions that aren’t about what I CAN do but about what I WANT to do. The danger of settling with what is comfortable comes to mind and is always a possibility, unfortunately.
