Fusion: Past, Present, Future

Every successful artist must live in three dimensions simultaneously: the past, the present and the future.  Too much time spent in one results in neglecting another.  The three must merge into one beautifully intertwined, balanced creative energy.  The artist pictured above returned to the studio and used her past knowledge of building with clay to create a form from an idea.  

One may argue that there is no point to living in the past, but the past holds a wealth of information that can shape the future.  By continuing to collect information and make decisions based on that new knowledge, more thorough evaluation can take place and skills can further develop.  The artist recalls feedback, from herself and from others, as she molds the clay.  Identifying experiences where something may not have quite worked out in the past helps her to rethink her current actions, and to feel more confident in applying those techniques.

Focusing on the task at hand, she aligns what she has previously learned with what she hopes to accomplish in this art making session.  She balances the physical aspects of cutting, shaping and attaching the clay with the mental aspects of keeping the clay wet enough that it won't dry up, but dry enough that it won't fall.  Past performance or mistake making allows her to generate ideas that facilitate more efficient work in the present.

Analyzing as she works, the artist plans for her next steps and continues to be inspired to reach her goal.  She takes risks and brainstorms as necessary, as she cuts away or adds more clay.  Yet, she automatically uses the skills that have become an integral part of her being an artist, so the experimentation isn't quite as intimidating.  By actively engaging with the medium, she moves forward just by making progress happen, instead of wishing or hoping for it to happen.

Coming to the studio and joining a creative network with her peers also encourages the artist to share her ideas.  This presents a challenge for her to continue trying new things and developing the skills that she already has.  Spending time on thinking of ideas must be balanced with spending time actually making those come to fruition.  By just sitting down and doing, the elements of past, present and future are merged harmoniously and energy builds for the next opportunity to create.