Picture Element 0.13

Skill and craft has gotten in the way for me a little bit. This study does not depend on the work itself, how skillful or unskillful, the quality or the quantity, or even the idea. This study is dependent on the process, doing the work and its creative implications. But, still the years of honed craft and creative process specific to an industry, has gotten in the way and has been a frustration while thinking about and creating for this study.
 
Skill is an interesting component to any creative endeavor. In my experience, younger children create with abandon. For instance, in the school art program, I facilitate, the first and second graders all flock to the art tables full of materials, are insistent on doing it their way, always create more than one piece, and are always anxious to tell me their story and show their work off. They have very little fear of the materials, and have no idea what is or isn’t possible. Keeping that ideal at the forefront is key. Then again, that passion does inevitably seem to wane, and ability becomes much more necessary to continue in confidence.
 
Where does this leave me in the creative process? Creating with a child-like abandon is something I’m striving for every day, playing with new ways and processes albeit related to my current abilities has been preferable to keep from feeling stagnant, and evaluating my honed skill set in relation to this current study is helping to elevate my confidence.