It’s just art–don’t be afraid

Posted by Leslie | May 4, 2010 | 15 Comments

“Oh, I love the art everywhere!” people often say as they enter my house. You kind of can’t help but notice that all the walls in my house are covered with canvases, often hanging rather crookedly or precariously from the walls, while stacks of paintings in varying stages of doneness line the studio shelves and just about every other surface in my house.

“Thanks. Really you should try it, though—it’s so fun to create new things,” I respond.

“Oh no. Not me. I am not an artist. I’m not creative at all! I can’t even draw a straight line or a stick figure,” is the response I usually get.

“Oh don’t worry,” I laugh, “I can’t draw a straight line either. That’s what rulers are for… and while I can draw a stick figure, I have never needed to in a painting.”

My persuasive powers have lured many a hesitant artist into the studio. It is satisfying to watch as many of those who initially faced art-making with some fear and trepidation wind up being pleasantly surprised by the process, and their own products.

There is something powerful in being creative, in watching something come out of your own hand and mind. No, it doesn’t always come the way you think it will—sometimes you struggle along the way, and wind up going in another direction entirely, but in the end you have something. You have not only a product but an experience.

At our first Segullah Studio Night, last year, we had a wonderful time. Most people had never painted before but weren’t afraid to take the plunge and dive in. As you can see from the faces in these few pictures, this was not a torturous experience; in fact, it was a delightful evening. There is something therapeutic, too, about sitting with and talking to old and new friends, and just letting yourself go in the the process of creating and exploring.

I love art for all of its potential. It’s so open-ended. No rules. No right and wrong. No failing. So many tools are at your disposal: color, composition, subject matter, symbols, techniques. Amidst colors and shapes and layers you can express emotion and ideas, tell stories, transform experiences, and create beauty. It is whatever you want it to be, and whatever you make it to be.

So join us this summer for Segullah Studio Night.

Questions you might have…

What is Segullah Studio Night? It’s not as intimidating as it sounds. It’s bunch of people in a room filled with art supplies working on individual projects.

How will I know where to start? Well, I will introduce the materials so you feel comfortable using them, and then I’ll turn you loose to experiment and explore and create something. I encourage people to think ahead of time about colors and images, to bring photos of things/ideas they might want to use that night. Everyone’s projects are different. Don’t worry—we’ll all help each other out. I’ll float around and gladly help people brainstorm, work through ideas, get started, and help if you get stuck along the way.

I’m not an artist. I’m afraid I’ll feel stupid? No you won’t, you’ll have fun. Really. I promise. And it is worth it just for the great company! We take everyone—from the nervous Nelly novice to the those who know their way around a studio.

What will be we be working with? The studio will be equipped for acrylic painting on canvas and mixed media projects. The supply costs are all included in your registration (if you would like to bring additional supplies you are welcome to do that). Just come with some ideas! I will give those who are registered some info ahead of time to help with your brainstorming process.

If you have any other questions, hit me…and I’ll see you in the studio!

Comments

15 Responses to “It’s just art–don’t be afraid”

Johnna
May 4th, 2010 @ 7:59 am

I’m so excited about Studio Night.

I love how you just classed composition as a tool, not a rule. I think my brain just exploded.
Maralise
May 4th, 2010 @ 9:00 am

I’ll be there. . .
Adam Greenwood
May 4th, 2010 @ 9:11 am

Lets face it. I’ve seen a lot of amateur LDS art and its all been bad.

But its still worth trying.
Andrea R.
May 4th, 2010 @ 9:53 am

Adam, clearly you haven’t seen any of Leslie’s art.
Giggles
May 4th, 2010 @ 10:24 am

People who say they aren’t creative are denying their divine heritage. Their Father is definitely creative. Surely we’ve inherited that as well.

Looks like a lot of fun.
Janell the Great
May 4th, 2010 @ 10:58 am

I love the idea!
Amanda L.
May 4th, 2010 @ 2:21 pm

Sounds fantastic…but I live in the East! Any chance of this happening out here sometime?
Melissa Y.
May 4th, 2010 @ 2:27 pm

Adam, are you saying that LDS amateur art is worse than regular amateur art? Or that we’re more likely to produce bad art because we’re LDS? I’m not sure why you used the LDS qualifier in this case.

From the pictures, it doesn’t look like any of the pieces last year had religious themes (unless personally symbolic). It’s not like we’re going to be sitting around painting variants of the woman at the well.

Also, I don’t think anyone who will be attending Studio Night is expecting to produce anything that would be considered high quality by educated art standards. This is about learning how to appreciate art as much as it is about producing something. I know that anything I paint would likely be considered as “bad” by someone like yourself, but I’m not doing this to be praised. Your assumption that I would not be aware of my own lack of skill was worse than the assumption of the lack itself.
FoxyJ
May 4th, 2010 @ 2:28 pm

I have my painting from last year propped on my dresser; artistically it’s not much, but it means a lot to me because I did it myself. And I had fun chatting with everyone else while I was there. Wish I could come to this year’s event, but I’m doing the conference in the daytime and can’t stay that late.
traci
May 4th, 2010 @ 6:19 pm

WISH I LIVED CLOSER – I’D BE THERE!
Leslie
May 4th, 2010 @ 7:37 pm

can’t wait to see some of you there…

adam- well there is some art out there that holds no aesthetic appeal for me- so i understand. I must say no one did any religious topics last year… Shelah did do an homage to desserts which given the testimony i have of mormon refreshment — could be considered mormon art i think?
i think we as a culture don’t encourage people to think and create visually- thats why i like to do studio night- the more people who start creating meaningful art, the better our art will become.
foxy J- i am glad you think fondly on your creation and your experience.
amanda- i do need to do a east coast boston night– the early am sem teaching- has been cutting into my mojo- so hopefully soon!
Blue
May 4th, 2010 @ 7:50 pm

that was a life-night for me. meaning, one of those experiences that in a meaningful way changes you. fear had always kept me from trying; after all, if it’s not going to be a Monet, why bother, right?! but that mindset is counter-productive and Master Leslie (or would that be Mistress? but that sounds kind of swonky) anyway, she was instrumental in helping me grow in a way i didn’t even know i needed to. where before there wasn’t even possibility, since then i’ve created a number of things that have been fun for me to do, as well as opened up other doors.

i’m not likely to ever have my own gallery or studio show, but it’s been fun to expand my sense of self in a creative and healthy way. Love studio night! And that Leslie girl! ♥
Science Teacher Mommy
May 4th, 2010 @ 11:12 pm

In college, some neighbor-guys hosted a Bob Ross night. The ringleader even dressed up like the Bob Ross. One of the best times I ever had. We displayed our art in our apartment for the rest of the year.

Have a blast!
Selwyn aka Kellie
May 5th, 2010 @ 2:58 am

I’m scared of trying art – I’ve had people laugh at me about my ‘efforts’ at Enrichment. But I loved the African queen I painted, so much so that she’s my Christmas fairy now, has been since I made her 8 years ago.

I’m scared to paint, but I’m going to do it! I can’t imagine a better, more fun place to try it than at a Segullah do, either!
Sue
May 7th, 2010 @ 10:05 am

I am VERY afraid when it comes to art projects. And I’m afraid my fear is grounded in reality. (There are many who would back me up on this.)

Having said that, if I lived in Utah, I would probably come…to provide comic relief, if nothing else.