The journey of creative greatness does not come easily and as of such the devotion of time spent hounding ones skill is of paramount importance. Hence the saying “Rome was not built in a day” is quite apposite in this sense. Creativity has no boundary or box that puts a specific limitation on the wonders of the state of skill development. To reach this some- what elusive gem of mastery to some people as it relates to their skill development is greatly affected by a disease that I would call laziness? Laziness and her brother procrastination when walk together is a profound hindrance to human greatness. Especially when it comes on to creative works this should be avoided at all cost. If Vincent van Gough, Michelangelo or Da Vinci have forge alliance with such terrible company then one could just imagine what a terrible lost this would have been to the art world.
Before I proceed let me first outline or define some key terms that are pertinent to my utterance. These words are: art, skill and honing
Art- the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.
Skill- the ability to do something well: expertise
Honing- refine or perfect (something) over a period of time.
This, though unpleasant it may sound to a civilised high cultured human being; one with values and in the true essence of moral standing. Even renown forgers (The Spanish Master (French: Le Faussaire Espangnol), Han Van Meegeren, Wolfgang Beltraccchi, David Bowie, Walter Keane has to spent time honing their skills because is this greatness they ended fooling the much trained eyes called professionals. One cannot over- emphasise the duty of the artist in been discipline to hone his skills on a daily basis. Therefore should one as an artist refuses to do so may be seen as arthritis and should not be shock because he has placed himself in a precarious position to receive his comeuppance; the ability to produce poor art.
There are those who complained about the lack of time available to execute their artistic talent. This I believe is perfect excuse to delve in the world of laziness. In order to execute there must be a plan a foot to do so. No successful war has ever accomplished without a plan thus The Art of War, Sun Tzu. Therefore honing one skill in art is like a cog in the artistic wheel of art. Here I am not comparing art to war but rather to highlight the level of seriousness that both share. Without that cog the wheel is no longer effective as it relates to servitude. It is merely an idea of a shape called circle which is also not perfect from a geometrical standpoint.
Working on sketches are studies are all part of honing one artistic skills. It does not matter how small your sketches are, you are still working on something that will help to propel your skill to another level. It like the saying goes, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
The honing of one’s artistic skills takes a combination of things. These combinations of things may not serve as the only way to go about developing one skills but they do work. Reading and researching other artist art forms or art techniques. This allow artist or art practioner to develop an art intellectual depth which may transfer or used in creative discourse. For example a sound understanding of the various aesthetic theories helps to create a greater understand of the arts. Documentary such as “The Black Box of the Art Word” help to shed great knowledge on understanding the art market to some extent.
Another step in honing one skills is by watching a lot of artistic videos. While doing so please try to analyse and be as critical as possible. This is so because is not all videos out there carries good content and a good display of instructional skill set. Webinars and workshops also help in developing one artistic ability. Consistent dedication of productive time must be embrace by all art practioner
Gallery and museum visits are also important. To be in a setting where solitude speaks volume and where you can learn from other artists is a beautiful thing. While there you may want to study their work by using you sketch book to draw or paint sketches of their work. There is nothing wrong with learning from the Masters but remember at the end of the day you must be yourself. Been yourself is where you develop you as an artist, technique, intellect and style.
Within the complicated schemes of life one has to decipher the enigma of that which is associated with challenging times and still execute. This is so because as long as there is life there will always be art. Remember creativity speaks volume while laziness breathe worthlessness. Those are two relatives you don’t want to have in life. Saying that to say this, there is no valid excuse as a creative being not to create. For each and every human being there is some level of creativity granted to you, how you deal with it is up to you as a human.
As the tide of life changes lets jump into the ocean of art and create your effective, rhythmic, innocuous ripples. Let’s disrobe the terrible coat of procrastination as creative beings and march with a rebirth of consistent creativity, pulchritude and purpose.
Written by
Kirkland Clarke
Artist/ Art Educator