So, I have been getting some very specific questions lately. Questions about my technique. Fair questions, I suppose. This is a complicated issue and one that many people have strong opinions about. It’s about sharing. Some of you might know the Salvation Army signs that say, “Sharing is Caring”. I had a boyfriend that used to say that ALL the time. It started off being cute and then it got annoying. I still love that old boyfriend; he is a dear dear friend now, never the less, I never completely bought the sharing is caring bit. I know, I know the world would be a better place…If only I would divulge my deepest darkest secrets about the techniques that I've developed and use in my work. See, I do believe in sharing. I love to promote friends, I love to see other people successful, I even like to teach people some of things I do. Just not everything. I don’t think any Artist or any person for that matter, gives all their secrets away, even the ones who say they do. There wouldn’t be any mystery left without some things withheld. Call me selfish, greedy, a hoarding you know what, but all’s I’ve got to say is, a girl’s got to have her secrets.
10 comments:
I totally agree. You've got to maintain a little mystery. I also think there is something really unique about your work and there should be mystery in that--keeps people coming back to see what's next. Beautiful bowl, by the way.
I agree pretty much with you in here. I'm a bit like that as well... but, I hope you don't mind me asking...would you mind sharing some (little, harmless!) of your techniques in the near future with me?
Love the lemon...
happy day
paula :)
Yes, sharing, a tricky proposition. I am still contemplating that one. Earning techniques, ideas, style, identity, uniqueness, it's all such a long road. Especially in the difficult medium of clay. Hmmm, I think I'll think about it another 20 or 30 years... In the mean time, maybe I can share good will, a positive outlook and friendship. Not a simple question! Thanks for raising a good, mulling thought...
you are absolutely right! you must leave something for the artistic mystery and for the wonder!
tiffany*
ps, love your work. found your blog through paula (simple me)
Yeah...knowing whether to keep a technique to oneself or to share with another can be tricky. On one hand, I'm thankful for all those who taught me technical skills when I was just starting photography. On the other hand, photography was my livelihood for ten years and I didn't want competition. I guess it depends on who is asking and what they'd do with the information.
just found your blog, through a comment on black apple! Your work is amazing! Yes, a girl must have her secrets, and there are plenty of other things to share!
Sharing is tricky, and it sounds like you have had a hard week. Sharing is especially hard when you feel you are losing things that you don't want to let go.
One thing a potter who worked with me in the early days used to say is "Don't worry about people stealing your ideas they will never be able to recreate what you do anyway." I think this is especially true when you have a strong drawing based practice. Having said that I'd be a s mad as can be if I caught some-one replicating my designs in a really bad way- Keep the secrets you just can't let go of.
search your heart and only let go or "share" (that boyfriend would have annoyed the hell out of me after a day...) what you feel comfortable with. shannon above said it best. you are doing something which is stongly based in your style and your drawing. no one can take that away from you. it is lovely and individual.
the techniques that you take so much time to research and hone are yours to do with whatever you choose. i have my degree in sculpture with my focus on clay, and it takes a long time to work things out..your work is gorgeous. i am going to be forced to buy some. soon.
I completely agree with you on this one. I am a web designer/developer. A couple of years ago, a co-worker, not even a friend, kept asking me how I did this, how did I make that happen. At first, I grudgingly told him my tricks. Tricks that I learned on my own only through years of trial and error. After a week or so, I got tired of his questions, I finally told him, I'm not a good teacher, go ask someone else. To this day, I wish I had told him the truth. Your skills are something you own. They are gifts if you decide to give them away. People should respect that.
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