My theme for this week is difficult to explain. So much of art making is working in the dark, really. We wander around in the unknown—whatever we might create does not exist yet.

And what we create is a mysterious process of responding to what catches the eye—and the heart—and then following the clues of our own interest and curiosity…and then we create what comes. That’s the best way I can describe how I create, anyway.

And there’s a whole lot of other elements in the mix: Skills and knowledge. Style. Practice. Lived experience. Intuition. Discipline. Self awareness. Preference…Intellect. Emotion. Spirit. All of this is part of my art practice.

I devote some part of every day—if possible—to creating. And some weeks I feel in control—and some weeks I get lost in all those elements. I think that’s pretty normal.

This week I was kind of lost. I began to feel like all I was doing was practice and exercise and not really making the kind of art I want to make…and what is the kind of art I want to make again?

And then, I felt I understood something. Like a neon sign flashing in the dark: Take a sharp right!

Go.

Like I said, it’s hard to explain. But that’s where I’m headed now. I’ll let you know where I find myself next.