Uncharted Territory
work in progress, “Uncharted Territory”
Hello friends!
In this time of gratitude, I would especially like to thank you for being here - even though I’ve been missing for a little while, not sharing studio notes here with you.
Rest assured, I have been keeping myself busy - I wrote a book!
Well, an art-poetry book. Lovingly self-published. It was a much longer process than I expected, never having written something with the amount of content and personal reflection that this particular book ended up requiring. And it’s scary as heck to put myself out there in this new way! But I am very relieved to have this project done, and the little stories, poems, and thoughts I wanted to be told with my art shared. It feels like a huge box has been checked off my lifetime bucket list, and I couldn’t be happier about that. I truly hope it resonates with the good folks who’ve enjoyed my art over the years and provides context for my art-making while also providing some inspiration for enjoying and experiencing the process without needing to know the destination.
All that to say - my writing time was completely overtaken by my book project. Now that it’s complete, though, I find myself spending more time in the studio again, thinking about what comes next. The ending words of my book were, “Art happens one mark and one day at a time. Step by step. May we embrace the journey.” And so, here I go, ready to take the next step.
My art-making journey
With my next body of work, currently titled “Visions”, I am moving further from my comfort zone into new territory. I have lovely ideas about where I want the artwork in this series to progress but don’t yet have the answer of how I’m going to make it happen. I can see the concept in my mind, but I’m not sure how to get there technically or conceptually. What I do know, however, is I need to establish new processes and routines to shape the art. I need to create some structure to keep myself from being overwhelmed and to stay on task.
I finally decided to begin by collecting and sharing the factual and emotional story in the making of my current piece in progress “Uncharted Territory” - a piece all about moving forward into an unknown future depicting a canoe on a journey into the stars. I’ll be using unstructured collage and fiber arts pieces to create a freeform shape on paper while maintaining the following structure throughout the process. I don’t know where this will lead, but this is where I’m starting.
Project Structure:
Keep a record of time spent on each task.
By tracking the different tasks involved with making and sharing the art I hope to provide a deeper connection for the viewer as well as provide an educational element for anyone curious about art as a profession.Keep a journal of thoughts being processed during the making of the art.
When the project is complete I hope to take these thoughts and bind them into a small booklet to be kept with the final art piece.Transcribe the audio recordings of ideas for the finished piece into text and diagrams before each studio session.
I often mentally review my art in progress as I take long walks and make audio recordings along the way of any ideas I want to keep. I find I can work through material issues in this way, giving me new processes and techniques to test in the studio. I also find myself able to connect the broader vision of my current and future art projects in this way, but often fail to follow through. I hope by transcribing the recordings and creating drawings of the ideas aftward will help keep my focus on the larger story I want to hold with the art.Create stations for the various processes used.
As a practical matter, I also need a simple way to keep myself focused on the art processes I need to complete to see my vision through. I am fortunate to currently have room in my studio for several stations: a collage and drawing table; a painting/video area; a journaling desk; and a printmaking table. I also keep a portable container of threads and fibers to work out embroidery/knit/crochet pieces to include in the collaging.Videotape and share the process after each studio session.
This piece of the puzzle circles back to timekeeping. By sharing a video journal of the art as it progresses, I hope to keep myself motivated, provide the viewer with a more complete understanding of the art process, while also showcasing just how messy (literally and figuratively) it can be. I believe meaningful art does not come from a cookie-cutter approach. Each art piece needs to be explored as it evolves in its own way. The art and the artist should grow and change over time. I hope to capture this as honestly as possible by sharing video all along the way.
And so, this is where I am - in a state of constant acceptance and denial. I can make the art I envision - I don’t know how to make the art. I am excited and energized - I am frustrated and overwhelmed with ideas. I can make the pieces - I haven’t yet made the pieces.
But with a little structure, I know I can move forward. I can choose a task. I can make something, write something, say something. I can take another step into this uncharted territory.
~ Jennifer
If you want to watch the progress of “Uncharted Territory”, I am posting video logs as Instagram Reels. When the project is complete, I will edit and post the daily entries as a longer video on my YouTube Channel. I have no idea how long this will take. The ideas I’m processing for this piece have been with me now for years. Yet, I remain hopeful that 2022 will be the year I find my footing and not only finish this piece but embrace my most honest and intentional art yet.