Vlog Link: NO Vlog link this week. Life happened and I didn’t have a chance to get one made. I’ll be making a video for this week, so check out my channel Esther L Jones dot com, Artist
Announcements
Not much going on yet…except important things that set the stage for 2023! I am aware that the gallery/shopping page is out of whack. I’ll be working to get that fixed. Indeed, I spent several hours on it one afternoon this week and…then it disappeared into the internet ether. So, I will begin again.
However, I do want to wish you a MERRY NEW YEAR. And if you are wondering why I’m not wishing you a Happy New Year, you need to visit this post. Once you’ve checked that out, scroll on, my friend…
What IS Next? Interactive Story Art!
I’m still debating, as I type, which topic I should share about today. My original plan was to start sharing some of my thought processes for setting my yearly trajectory. I promised to do that back in December, I think.
BUT…I had an interesting experience in that last few days that I’m excited to share and to find out what you think. And since it’s my blog/vlog, I get to choose, eh? Don’t worry. I’ll find a way to let you in on a process for setting my year’s planning soon.
Christmas and the week following, including New Years, were difficult. Usually they are not, but my Mom is suffering with cancer and she began to experience intense pain on Christmas morning, and did not rally until a few days ago. Each time this happens, we all began to wonder if this is it…is it the last of the suffering, and will she be moving to Heaven soon? It can be difficult to take things day by day.
I decided to begin a “fun” painting…just letting go of results and enjoying the process. It turned into very helpful “therapy”–keeping me present in the moment. I enjoyed every minute of it, and worked on it a little over several days.
What Story Do You See?
Here’s the really interesting thing. When I posted the final piece, I discovered that viewers interpreted it differently. That’s not surprising, don’t get me wrong…that’s the intention. I’m very, very happy for you to see what YOU see in the painting, to find the story you need to find in it.
I had several conversations like this:
Commentor: “I love these abstract flowers!”
Me: “Oh, do you see flowers? Cool!”
Commentor: “Wait. They aren’t flowers? Oh! Now I see it! There’s a sad face!”
Me: “Whatever you see is the story.”
Perhaps a better answer would be “This is Interactive Story Art. What story do you see?”
There is a small hiccup in this philosophy, however. Because my opinion is that what I, the artist, see is just as valid. I will likely title the piece according to that. I do try to make the title fairly open to interpretation while being true to the mood I think the piece inspires.
In this case, I took ideas from the stories my family members saw when I showed them the piece and added some ideas of my own and then had a delightful brainstorming session with another family member to create the title: “Orange Marmalade Overture–Jabberwocke Jazz”.
It’s basically nonsense, but it evokes a whimsical mood.
Tell Me Your Ideas
I need your help, though, to try to get a better grip on this concept. I’d love it so much if you answered one or more of these questions, or just added your own comment below about my idea of Interactive Story Art.
- Do you think Interactive Story Art captures the essence of the idea, or is there a better way to say it?
- Should the artist choose a more neutral title to help the viewer feel free to make their own interpretation, or is it ok to choose one that they feel fits?
- If you want to dig a bit deeper: how does art like this glorify God? Or does it? What do you think?
This Week in the Studio
I have been both painting and creating pottery these two weeks: working slowly and carefully, but very relaxed. That has taken a back seat to taking care of business-y things like getting my tax documents in order and tweaking the website. I’ve spent a lot of time supporting the family while my mother has been sick–running errands and helping out.
I’m trying to change my outlook this year as far as producing art. To relax into making and make better quality art instead of cracking on to try to make a lot of it with the result of being disappointed in the quality. I’m also going to prioritize making some things for my family. I enjoy blessing them a lot more than I enjoy marketing to others, so I’m going to give myself some time making beautiful things for them.
That doesn’t mean I won’t have things for sale! As soon as can, I’ll get the gallery/shop page fixed and update it with new works. Let me know if there’s something you’d like to be able to find there…I’m also enjoying trying new things!
…I hope you like trying new things, too…like looking for the music, listening for the colors, reaching out for the magic and awakening the wonder in your hearts.
Godspeed, my unicorns. Go be Merry.
