I love dialogue.  I think that when artists discuss their world view and how it shows up in their work it makes for a luscious conversation.  Interestingly I don't often hear artists challenging each other's beliefs.  Could it be that art is that straight forward and the wiggle room is eradicated just because "I say so"?

When I was at a recent artist talk the artist mentioned the difference between his work in realism and his work in abstraction.  He has begun to play with abstraction but is finding it a bit difficult making the bridge between what he sees as two worlds.  This explanation was a response to an audience question about his experience in the abstract art world and he ended his answer with a question...When you go to work in abstraction, How much are you willing to let go?

Upon leaving the talk I thought it was a fairly innocuous response and by the time I got home I could see the abstract artists of the world revolting in the streets.  I believe there is a difference between letting go and fluidity.  When an artist is practices fluidity there is a rhythm created both within the artist and in the work.  I've often felt that it takes more presence to create abstractly than realistically because you have to listen to your inner world with the greatest sensitivity.

I've been to hundreds of workshops over the course of my career and I can see where the idea of letting go is about freedom or freeing oneself from inhibitions, but not necessarily as a means of creating abstract art.

If you're an abstract artist what are your thoughts on creating abstract art by letting go?

Keeping it flowing...
Greg

coaching artists to success