I just have fun

 

I have been trying to write a blog about being a craftsman who explores other types of art and why it’s important. I wanted to include how a master craftsman spends countless hours learning the material and tools for the trade of choice. I wanted to include how with all the investment of time, they are 100 percent dedicated to their work and craft. Of course, there is nothing wrong with that.

            I have found recently that after completing my last projects. I have been thinking about the other forms of art and exploring how it’s done. I say this because creating art is possible in many forms and with many different materials. I have learned that each type of art takes a special set of talent, skills, and understanding. You can’t create the same perspectives and depth into a piece that is made from wood verses being painted onto a canvas. They, however, are special and amazing in their own way. There is a decent learning curve with each tool that is required for the specific work. It probably wouldn’t be smart to give a painter and hammer and chisel and give a metal worker a paint brush. Not saying that each craftsman and artist can’t spend time learning the other form of work. Will the work come easy and look good? It’s hard to say because it depends on the person and their passion. 

            What’s interesting is how different materials can be combined together to form a work of art. This does take a lot of consideration and available resources to make it possible for the elements you do not work with. This is the safest approach. The other approach is to try and teach yourself, but that does come with safety risks and of course investing in new tools. With all the information available on the internet, it’s possible to teach yourself. However, make sure it’s a safe and reliable source to learn the correct way of doing something. You need to ask yourself honestly “will this be a long-term investment.” You must ask yourself “Am I serious about learning and investing a solid effort into this new skill.” Because with learning something new there will be a lot of ups and downs. Make sure you’re ready because I would not want to see a person give up on a dream when only one factor doesn’t work out. We all know someone who has made large investments into something, and it unfortunately doesn’t work out. Its unfortunately common to find what people have spent money on, but did not invest a true effort to try. I do believe you can overcome it when something doesn't work out. You just have to be willing to work for it.

            Recently having started painting a project on occasion it got me thinking. One of the hardest things for me is figuring out what’s next to make. I do at times hit the creative block. The answer usually comes because “I try to force an idea.”  

           

I have learned the value in “having fun.” My hobby challenges my brain in a different way and gives me a different outlook and stress relief. So, I tried something different this last week. I had fun painting on a canvas. Am I going to become a fine art painter, absolutely not. Is my work perfect. Nope. Do I know anything about color theory and application, no. I have no plans in becoming an expert painter. Has my appreciation changed, of course.

            Why did I do it? Simple, to explore the different possibilities. To learn and understand a small percentage of what a fine painter does when they create their breath-taking work. I did it because it was a fun and different challenge. Helping me learn and explore what I can do. It helped me learn how paint works and what looks good and doesn’t. I do know that mixing different color paints is difficult. I know the more I mess with what paint can do, my knowledge will grow. I know that it will take my work even higher, for creativity, depth, and fine details. I also know that even as a hobbyist, a break is important from time to time.