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Jun 6, 2010

Casualties of Art

"Untitled" - 8" x 10" - oil (Destroyed)
After my last post I mentioned that I needed a new source of inspiration. While this remains true, I also realized that I expected more from myself as far as the quality and consistency of my work. This dawned on me after taking a hard look at my own work and the works of artists that I admire. After this discovery, I decided to cleanse my studio of all negative energy. For me this required destroying any work that may have caused me any aggravation. It wasn't a pretty process but it was necessary. The painting above was still in progress when it became a casualty of art.

10 comments:

Kathleen Krucoff said...

Rising like a Phoenix? I hope.

Steven S. Walker said...

Thanks Kathleen and Leslie, the only place to go now is UP!

Tracey Clarke said...

This is a great place to be, Steven.
Looking forward to seeing what comes from your purging...

Carolina said...

Hi there,
Did I get it right? The before and after photos mean that the tree painting ended up as a work in progress after being burned???
I'll wait for your answer to react, I'm in stand-by mode now...
Hope the best for you on this new ascending trip...
(It's kind of intriguing that many bloggers have that sort of 'down' feeling lately, me included, Janet Pantry, now you, what's going on? Are you a Cancer too?)
Carolina

Steven S. Walker said...

Hi there Carolina! I wasn't finished with the tree painting so I considered it to be in progress. It gave me a few problems and so I decided to get rid of it via sandpaper followed by a burning. Fortunately, I hadn't put that many hours into it and felt that it would be easier to start fresh. Lastly, I'm a true Virgo...not sure how close Cancers and Virgos are.

Carolina said...

OK
So it had nothing to do with the sign :)
Thanks for answering :)

michelle said...

Good for You!!! I know it feels weird to trash something you've put a lot of work into but what a great feeling to be free of something that holds you back. Your work is beautiful and will continue to improve because you are able to look honestly at it.

Steven S. Walker said...

Thank you Michelle! My honest look at my work came from an encounter with a professor in undergrad. Ever since that experience I've been more willing to let go of works no matter how much blood and sweat went into them. Now it's just a matter of taking that honest look more often.

Caroline Peña Bray said...

What a great idea - I'm in exactly the same place right now. All my mistakes are glaring at me from my studio walls. UGH! I think I'll follow your example.

I've really enjoyed reading your blog and viewing your art. You have a wonderful way with light, reflections and atmosphere. All those special 'it factor' elements that define good work. I'm very much looking forward to following your blog and your progress.

Diane Hoeptner said...

Awesome, love this post. Have been thinking of doing the exact same thing! Paint on, Steven!

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