When I start a piece like “Soft Loam,” I often find myself questioning what I’m really doing. It’s hard to tell if I’m following a plan or if I’m just moving the brush and hoping something will come of it. There are moments when the direction seems clear, when I have an idea that pulls me along, guiding each stroke. But there are also times when I’m just letting the paint lead the way, watching it settle into its own course.
Balancing Intention and Freedom
I think it’s a balance between having a sense of direction and allowing for the unexpected. I might begin with a certain concept or image in mind, but as I work, the painting evolves. It takes on a life of its own, and sometimes it even surprises me. That’s the part I find intriguing—letting the marks and colors find their own path.
Trusting the Process
The unpredictability of the process is what keeps me engaged. I’ve learned to trust it, even when I’m not entirely sure where it’s going. It’s about starting with intention but also being open to where the work wants to go on its own. That’s how something meaningful emerges, sometimes in ways I couldn’t have predicted.
