Turning ache into clay…i love the alchemy in this imagery, Duane! There is something both delicate and fierce about using whatever we’re given to make art that’s full of meaning and life.
"Delicate and fierce" that's an amazing description! It's own kind of alchemy. We don't get a say in what we're handed, only in what we do with it. Perhaps that's precisely what it means to make meaning.
I think that's the question every artist is tasked to sit with. The question that every artist iterates an answer to with every new arising work. I think it's the asking and the seeking that is itself the conclusion. Thanks so much!
For me as a writer, turning the ache into clay means finding a picture, a metaphor, an expression that is just right for the feeling as tragical as it might have been. Whenever I’ve found one of those pictures, I feel deep joy and satisfaction. That is what creativity adds up to the suffering that we encounter in life. Thank your inspiring take on this.
P.s. English is not my mother tongue. So, I hope I could still make myself clear. Greetings from Hamburg, Germany.
Hi Ulrike, thanks for reading and thanks so much for your comment! I think what you said makes a lot of sense, and it certainly feels exactly right to me. Thanks again!
Thanks so much Jamal! I appreciate that you read it and took the time to comment. I might sound strange to say it but, writing in a short, succinct, and terse wa is something I’ve spent a lot of time on trying to get better at, so I’m glad it’s paid off, haha. Thanks again!
PS “As It Is” goes somewhere really interesting to me. The result of disparate parts fitting together makes me wonder what it is that makes a piece “click” so satisfyingly…
"As it is" for me proves the gut level nature of my collage practice. I can't explain why it work, what it that makes it balanced and cohesive, it's something nameless and inexplicable and yet totally undeniable.
Thanks! "Everyday" is a piece began with a failure and became something else. It's the scraps from another collage that went sideways, and turned into something unexpected in a good way. Thanks again!
Turning ache into clay…i love the alchemy in this imagery, Duane! There is something both delicate and fierce about using whatever we’re given to make art that’s full of meaning and life.
"Delicate and fierce" that's an amazing description! It's own kind of alchemy. We don't get a say in what we're handed, only in what we do with it. Perhaps that's precisely what it means to make meaning.
"What do you make with them?"
is the question I am after - really feeling this piece!
I think that's the question every artist is tasked to sit with. The question that every artist iterates an answer to with every new arising work. I think it's the asking and the seeking that is itself the conclusion. Thanks so much!
you find beauty everywhere, Duane
I try my best too, it's something I'm constantly working at. Thanks for reading!
These are gorgeous, my favorites are the first two. Especially the first one, though. I did a double take. I love it.
And I love your thoughts on suffering…what do we do with it.
Much appreciated Jenn! So glad you like them! I really appreciate it!
My b pleasure!
Creativity contains it all. The joy, the suffering, the everything.
Exactly! It's broad enough, and strong enough hold it all. Thanks for reading!
For me as a writer, turning the ache into clay means finding a picture, a metaphor, an expression that is just right for the feeling as tragical as it might have been. Whenever I’ve found one of those pictures, I feel deep joy and satisfaction. That is what creativity adds up to the suffering that we encounter in life. Thank your inspiring take on this.
P.s. English is not my mother tongue. So, I hope I could still make myself clear. Greetings from Hamburg, Germany.
Hi Ulrike, thanks for reading and thanks so much for your comment! I think what you said makes a lot of sense, and it certainly feels exactly right to me. Thanks again!
Love this piece Duane.
I found your brevity refreshing and you message powerful.
Wonderful stuff 👏🏽❤️
Thanks so much Jamal! I appreciate that you read it and took the time to comment. I might sound strange to say it but, writing in a short, succinct, and terse wa is something I’ve spent a lot of time on trying to get better at, so I’m glad it’s paid off, haha. Thanks again!
Not strange at all. In fact, exploring the depths of simplicity is one of my guiding principles creatively.
Glad to be in good company!
"Signature Inspired Mark Twain Fragrances" made me chuckle. Not sure if that's something I would want to buy...
Glad it made you laugh! Not sure i would want to buy it either, lol.
Art must be beyond suffering. I think it improves when it's closer to our balance. Maybe you'd like a recent short writing about this issue open.substack.com/pub/rafamartin/p/birds-eye-view
Pain takes me to another place creatively. Great points here, Duane!
Same here! Thanks so much Rod!
PS “As It Is” goes somewhere really interesting to me. The result of disparate parts fitting together makes me wonder what it is that makes a piece “click” so satisfyingly…
"As it is" for me proves the gut level nature of my collage practice. I can't explain why it work, what it that makes it balanced and cohesive, it's something nameless and inexplicable and yet totally undeniable.
Very well articulated. Also, vibing with the colour and shape of “everyday”
Thanks! "Everyday" is a piece began with a failure and became something else. It's the scraps from another collage that went sideways, and turned into something unexpected in a good way. Thanks again!