I am one of those people with their noses against the glass separating us from the partitioners when it comes to art. My association with artists leaves me in that realm of knowing enough to be dangerous. On the other hand, I've been close enough to many of them so that I've learned something, but not everything, about their process. I have concluded that there is much similarity between how a painter and an actor go about producing what they do.
What is your Process? That is an embarrassing cliche question I've heard at so many author appearances when I worked at a bookstore? I sometimes thought the question was a reader's attempt to say, "Look, I know something about how you guys work, so fill me in." Or maybe it's showing off for the uninitiated part of the audience. "Oh my God, if you don't know about the process, what are you doing here?"
I learned about The Process by trying to be a creative person. The Process is simply the steps one takes to create something. It's the same with painting a wall or a portrait. You have assembled the materials and tools to make something happen. It could be poetry or pasta.
With the creative arts. The process takes on the role of alchemy. Some people feel if you know Bradly Cooper's process, you can become a star. While this doesn't hurt to have this knowledge, it doesn't guarantee the same result.
I've dabbled in music, painting, writing fiction, writing for print and online publication, and acting. But, first, let me clarify a bit.
I play Harmonica by ear. I don't read music, and if it weren't for the kindness of my pals in 'The Expansion Band' in The Fox Valley, I would never get paid for it. I am, by my own definition, second chair harmonica. If another harmonica player showed up. I would be the third chair.
My paintings look like the early accomplishments of a six-year-old. My familial tremor does add some styling to my brush techniques that may be difficult to define. But, it is what it is. I'm prouder of my pencil sketches. I'm confident I've never have produced a drawing where the subject matter is not recognizable. As to whether the subject is identifiable, that's another question.
I have never called myself an accomplished writer. I think I tell some good stories. Are they are well written? You'd have to talk to someone who has edited or read me.
I do have an editor for my online Theater Preview articles that appear on Urban Milwaukee.com. So I'm gratified when Bruce accepts the article and only dusts up the edges before publishing.
Acting has been one of those weird life events. I have appeared in a couple of on-camera and voice-over commercials, and I was involved in three different productions of the 48-hour film competition. The unusual thing about these experiences is I never sought the opportunities. I was asked to do them. Seeing I didn't ask the producers why they chose me, I can't explain it. It's never been suggested I get an agent. Apparently, my appeal is narrow, to say the least.
One thing I've learned from all of this is admiration for those that persevere in their art. So often, even great talents go unnoticed. Artists are not notorious for their self-promotion. Many of them are too involved with the humdrum issues of making a living ad supporting a family to do what has to be done to have a career in their chosen art. And yet, they paint, they write, or take parts in local theater productions. Why? Because there is this restless heart that demands it.
The Toad Band in the Woods
Great blog post.
ReplyDelete