Continuous, Continual

How do you work in a series? Or do you? Why or why not? And what makes it a series?

I see some individual works of art -- in many different media -- that intrigue and interest me, make me want a continuing conversation with that artist. But then, I look further, and I can't get a hold of what is going on. I can't find the path and I want more than one stepping stone for the journey. I strongly believe that commiting to one (or a few) clear paths is an important decision toward having one's work taken seriously out there in the broader art world.

And yet I know the challenge of working and reworking a theme or image or technique with the fear that someone will say, "Hasn't she done that already?"  or even worse, being bored with it myself or doubting my loyalty to a theme or direction that is played out.

My solution recently (say the last couple of years) has been to work in several series simultaneously -- each of which has its own direction, but has some distinction, some major differing factor, from other work. So far it works for me, though I'm not sure how it works for "marketing."   Some of what I do is about the medium itself: I still want to do some art cloth for art cloth's sake -- yardage that isn't about being cut up and used for anything, fabric that exists as form enough. Right now I am continuing to make my wooden frame shaped altares, each house shaped, but I still dip back and forth on subject matter. I have one series of smaller pieces that include photographic images of the Hill Country (the Borderlands series) and I still continue to explore the image of feminine sacred icons. And now, my mermaids are really taking flight (and falls).

 But what about you? How do you work in a series?

Comments

[Sylvia]

I suspect that working in a series is difficult because most folks are project oriented. A workshop is offered with the object of working in a particular person's style or re-creating a piece similar to the leader's well-known piece. Stepping into the realm of working in a series means no paths, no directions, no signposts---just the artist and his materials.

There's also the problem of doing many small studies experimenting with materials, pattern, means of expression, until the final product is completed.

The first time I was asked to work in a series was really scarey---now it seems routine and in keeping with my other love of story-telling.

[Susie Monday]

I think you are right Sylvia> Of course we who do enjoy takng workshops from gifted teachers (and I count myself in that group, I think I will always be a lifelong learner in this field) then either have to bring in our own style to a workshop session, or be willing to discontinue something if it doesnt seem to "fit". But like you, I find that the story-telling is supported by the series work. S

[jude]

just found your blog and enjoying your work.

[jocelyn]

I work in series mostly by way of technique --- the process I especially like for my art quilts is slow and labor intensive (multilayer, raw-edge, reverse applique), so sometimes I need to take a break. Then I whip out my "Wonder Under" and have fun with quick, fusable applique. I am not a prolific artist, so all of my work carries the same theme: nature as inspiration.

[Susie]

Thanks Jocelyn --EVEN with Wonder Under, I just finished 10 hours of FMQ yesterday (the last 10 hours on a large art quilt) and I am really looking forward to spending some time fusing. Thanks for commenting.

[kathy]

I think working in a series is great exercise, but I am the type of person who likes to have several things going at once. But I definitely see the exploration possibilities of working on one subject and exploring the use of differing techniques to express the one idea or theme. Susie, how come we can't see your pictures??? Would love to see them.

[kathy]

We can't see "Art In Elgin".