I’m still fighting against stuff I imagined to be “factual” from when I was young. Prejudices people tried to instill in me. Ideas taken for granted. Unquestioningly absorbed. Parental stuff.
Conditioning.
Fortunately, being a painter gives you plenty of time to think.
To reflect.
To mull things over.
When I did my degree course in fine art one of the first things I was taught was this: that’s habit – that bit there. You need to be aware of the difference between relying on things you know how to do and genuinely being engaged in the process of discovery.
So I said: do you mean when I’m in my trance and it’s like the picture is painting itself?
No. That’s not how it is. You’re not a shaman being guided by spirits or letting magical energy flow through you – as if thought itself was unnecessary. The need for analysis is part of the process.
Whether you realize it or not you’re just thinking very fast – making instant adjustments, tiny changes, potential improvements. Envisioning.
It’s all empirical decision making. Research is based on reasoning.
Oh really? Wow – that’s what people mean by a learning curve, then!
Yep!
An invaluable lesson.
I try to bear this in mind every time I pick up a brush, pencil or whatever implement I’m going to use. I find this basic concept useful in other areas of my life too. If I catch myself being judgemental about someone, I’ll try to neutralize that thought. I mean, why do I think that?
Based on what criteria?
Ultimately, do I know anything about their life? Their hardships, joys, hopes and fears.
I’m still attempting to understand my self, actually. I have to.