3.4 ART THINKING EXERCISE: WHAT WE LOVE
In the previous module we asked ourselves what we liked about our own work as we made it. It can be equally useful to ask yourself what you like in other people’s work. We find out about our artistic selves by creating art and thinking about how we respond to other people’s art.
Gather together images of art you love in one place and look at it as one collection side by side (use library books, Pinterest, or internet images of the work you love). Then think about that collection and see if it offers up any clues which are useful to you.
SCREEN SHOT OF A PINTEREST BOARD OF SOME OF MY FAVOURITE ART
I do this periodically and make notes about what I unearth about the art I am currently drawn to. Consider asking yourself the following questions about the art you love and admire:
How would you describe the art you are drawn to?
How does it make you feel and can you think about why it makes you feel this?
What adjectives would you use?
Are there common threads?
Is there any inspiration from the feelings or senses that these art works stir in you that you would like to incorporate into your own work?
Are there any artistic approaches or materials you would like to incorporate into your own art?
Idea at a glance
Gather together a collection of the art you love and consider it with a sense of inquiry. See what it can tell you about your interests and art sensibilities.