I constantly think about and analyze what I make, what I should make, what I want to make. I've tried and taken pride in adding more/different/better (?) details and/or ideas. At heart, I am a woodworker. But not that kind of woodworker. I'm not the kind who focuses on super precision and knows all the terminology for every aspect of woodworking. I do precise work when I have to and I know the terms I need to know. I do that without thinking about it. If it works then I'm doing it right. But I'd prefer to make, and focus on, beautiful/flowing/lively pieces that are visually appealing attention grabbers and thought provokers. I improvise in the process, using any tools or materials which get the results I'm trying to achieve. Trying because sometimes I don't know what I'm trying to get until the piece is finished.
I'm drawn to 3 dimensional objects. I love objects. I've always loved ceramics and ceramic objects. But most any material will do. Shapes, textures, colors, contrasts, patterns all call to me. And, I love LOVE abstract paintings. I don't know exactly when that started, but every time I see an abstract piece I'm fascinated. Shapes, combinations of shapes, lines, color, blocks of color, hand drawn lines. And intricate little details within. Symmetrical, asymmetrical, all of it. And the fact that I like these abstract pieces, 2D or 3D, is an abstract concept in itself.
I've not taken the time, always something else to work on. But in addition to everything else I make, I want to create things. Things which have origins in and inspired by the objects and paintings I'm drawn to and love. A blend of collage and abstract painting made from wood (and perhaps other materials TBD; found objects, or materials I leave in the weather for a year to see what happens to them?) It's exciting and intimidating and frustrating and even energy building to add to my repertoire. I'm starting with what I know. Throwing things together, trying to loosen up my work and myself at the same time. I've done little bits of this in furniture, but have not really allowed myself to make "art". It's a fuzzy, out of focus, abstract idea. I'm working fast, there are no mistakes, I'm experimenting as I work, and not sure how far I'll go or what I'll have in the end. Or even when the end will happen and pieces will be finished. I'll know it when I see it. I want to enjoy getting there (I'll say that again) I want to enjoy getting there. I want to create more things. And I want to create more things to do. I want to look back at my body of work and see pieces going in a lot of different directions and at the same time interacting with each other. Objects will inform functional pieces which will inform objects. I've finished a piece (see image above). It's a step in the right direction. I like to look back at, and study pieces I've made. I need this piece so I have something to respond to for the next one. It's a paradox. Just under the surface is where my ideas live. If I look too much, plan too much, they disappear. So I can't look too long. I'll let this piece rest a bit before I make another one. I'm curious about what will happen next. But I finally started.