Often, I find myself propelled towards ideas without a clear end result. An artist friend, Laurie Smithwick, has helped me appreciate that approaching new ideas in a series of 100 can be a great way to get into a flow state. Create a body of work without any set expectations. Just enjoy following my creative inclinations, reserving judgement until a substantial amount of work is completed. Taking this approach will allow me to learn without the burden of external pressures, something that is very important to me as I navigate this phase of my creative journey.
I aim to embark on two series of 100 creations:
100 textured small works, and 100 nude self-portraits.
Regarding the nude series, I want to photograph myself nude. I like photographing others in a bare state, showing them as I see them, but I rarely capture my own likeness in the nude. Part of the reason is, self-portraits are considerably more difficult, especially for me to photograph myself the way I capture others. Also, I am unsure how I see myself.
I am uncertain of my intentions, perceptions of myself, or the fate of these images, but capturing 100 images of myself that I like - just to do it - seems like an "easy" approach to figuring some things out.
Similarly, for a few years, I have created some small works driven by my fondness for texture and words. That fondness now demands deeper inquiry. While making these monoprints offers simplicity, it lacks the challenge I crave.
As I contemplate refining and enlarging these works, I recognize the need for growth and complexity. This year, I'm going to engage my texture project as part of the #100dayproject. I'm going to start with “one small thing”, hoping it grows into something larger than I can imagine! I would like an accountability partner, and I'm hoping that will be you! I do not seek a critique right now, but I do welcome your engagement, making sure I show up! I've set up this page to share daily progress, and I'll drop a link in the notes on substack, occasionally sharing something I'm learning in the process of developing this work.
I really appreciate you being here. I hope you'll stay!