Episode 176: Visual Ideas

Artists often worry that their work is derivative of another artist’s work and may be very concerned about being overly influenced by someone else’s style or technique. This problem certainly does exist in the art world and is something to guard against because most of us do want our work to be original and unique. But in every field of endeavor, people build on and respond to the work of others, and this is no different for artists. Today we talk about building on, rather than appropriating, other people’s ideas. Being authentic in our work doesn’t negate influences of all sorts, because we are never creating in a void. Yet if you’re told your work closely resembles like that of a friend, a teacher, or well-known artist you admire, it can be inhibiting or embarrassing. A strong resemblance can happen unconsciously especially early on when you are finding your own voice, and most of the time it’s a phase that passes as you find your own way. But it is a struggle many artists go through and they may feel inadequate or insecure as they work through that time. With all the influences artists experience, how can we produce work that is truly innovative and individual? Art history highlights times when new ideas appeared, such as perspective in the Renaissance, the rejection of realism in Modernism, or the embrace of cultural icons in pop art, and we may easily feel that there is nothing left to discover. But while a few individuals stood at the forefront of these movements, many others took also took part, sharing ideas and approaches, and advancing the overarching ideas that were being explored. For most of us, individuality in our work comes not from inventing totally new approaches, but from integrating and synthesizing ideas from various sources. Working with visual ideas rather than mimicking the look or style of another artist is key to this process. This means going beyond the superficial appearance of other people's work into a more conceptual realm. It means being a fellow traveler with others as you explore ideas in art together. Every artist works with visual ideas having to do with the visual elements, design principles, and subject matter and in that sense similarities are inevitable. But there are infinite variations in synthesizing visual ideas in unique ways, that are the basis of personal voice and direction. Thanks to everyone who has been sharing the show and donating! If you would like to donate to the Messy Studio Podcast donate here. ​ Thank you also to everyone who has written testimonials for Ross's website! Have you enjoyed the audio production quality and hearing Ross's voice? Submit a testimonial by email at rticknor.core@gmail.com or by submitting the contact form at www.messystudiopodcast.com! ​ When you buy art supplies at Blick remember to use our affiliate link to support the podcast! Bookmark this link and then you don't even have to think about it again. This is one of the best ways to support the show. It takes a few seconds and costs you nothing! The Blick website works exactly the same way, but we earn 10% every time you buy art supplies. www.messystudiopodcast.com/blick ​ What's new at Cold Wax Academy? Rebecca and Jerry are busy preparing new presentations for their Spring Quarter weekly live, interactive sessions. The topics for Spring are Shape, Scale and Proportion, and Self-Coaching to improve your work habits and productivity. As always, there will be plenty of opportunities to interact with Rebecca, Jerry, and other members, along with critique sessions, feedback about your paintings, and of course a deep dive into the three selected topics of the quarter. Cold Wax Academy has been receiving lots of rave reviews from its members; they know it is the best online learning for cold wax painting available and the only membership program dedicated to this medium. Find out more at www.coldwaxacademy.com ​ Have an art related product, service, or event you would like to advertise on the Messy Studio Podcast? Email Ross at rticknor.core@gmail.com for current mid-roll advertising rates. ​ For more from The Messy Studio: www.messystudiopodcast.com www.facebook.com/messystudiopodcast ​ For more from Rebecca Crowell: www.rebeccacrowell.com www.coldwaxacademy.com ​ The Messy Studio Podcast is a CORE Publication MGMT production.

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Artist Rebecca Crowell shares experiences and thoughts from three decades of painting, teaching and traveling, as well as her conversations with other artists. She is joined by her co-host, producer, and son, Ross Ticknor, who brings an entrepreneurial Millennial perspective. The conversations are broad and eclectic, focused on ideas, information and anecdotes that other artists may find helpful in their work and careers. A new episode is uploaded every weekend!