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When we talk about our 'art practice' we sometimes forget the fact that it is exactly that - a PRACTICE. Creating amazing visual art compositions is a skill like any other. Just like a musician or sportsperson, artists can build their creative strength, consistency and flexibility through regular engagement with their materials and processes. And that's what I have been doing during January 2023. I made a decision to make a small piece of work everyday and post it up on social media. You can see the 31 pieces here. They are all mixed media pieces on watercolour paper and they are 12 x 12cm in size.
There are several reasons why I wanted to make small, quick pieces during January. One reason is my interest in several different techniques and processes. I wanted to have the freedom to try out some of the ideas in my head and see how they worked. Different materials, different colours, different tools... there are always so many options when you are a mixed-media artist!
The second reason is that this is the time of the year when I can try out new ideas without the pressure of making work to sell. January and February are the months where research and development is possible. The ideas I get and the things I learn from these small pieces will be used to make bigger pieces that I will frame up and take to events later in the year.
The final reason for making small, quick daily pieces is that my workspace is currently not suitable for making bigger work. However, exciting developments over the coming months should bring big changes to my studio that will allow me to make the bigger pieces that I have been wanting to make for some time.
Komen