Sunday, January 22, 2006

specializing

I have thought a lot about specializing.
My father once described a commercial he saw on german television: the commercial asks, 'which would you rather listen to?' showing first a plays all musician with cymbols on the knees, an accordian, and harmonica. The second image was a symphony violinist. The point he was trying to make was clear.

To make great things you have to focus.
A lot of marketing advice reccomends specializing. Do one thing, and do it well. Don't try and be everything to everyone. In order to become a master artist, you must focus your attention exclusively on your craft. Multi-tasking and 'having too many irons in the fire' can be counter-productive.

I can't focus, I want to do it all!
I paint: with oils, acrylics, watercolor...anything!
landscapes, portraits, whimsical, abstracts...depending on my mood. I work with clay and can't decide whether to work with functional (cups, bowls, etc) pottery or sculptural...so i do both. I tend to obsessively work on one thing until I reach a point where i am burnt out, and then i will shift to something else. It is a good cure for artist's block.

I am trying to tie everything together.
In spite of my different moods and mediums, a unique voice is developing. My style is a fusion of many different passions. I have been working in series with the idea that each painting will relate to the one painted before and after it. The goal is a uniform look when all the paintings are shown together in a room. It is hard sometimes to avoid tangents, but they can be the next series.

That's as close as I can get to specializing.
I know that not all artists have a problem with focus, because it shows in their work. I wonder if they had to struggle against the desire to 'try everything' before focusing? As I continue to develop, my many obsessions might fuse into one great work. I hope so.

Can anyone else relate to this?
I am interested in hearing any stories and suggestions. Are you a good multi-tasker? What techniques do you use to focus on a project? Do you know any successful 'jack-of-all trades'? What do you think was their secret?

I really would like to hear your comments...if you aren't sure how to post to the blog, feel free to email me: usartdude@hotmail.com

Sunday, January 15, 2006

Here is my first post!

I have finally gotten around to starting this blog.
I am looking forward to fine tuning my writing skills (and YOUR writing skills) . I do not want this blog to be like many that are one sided. Please participate, because it is boring to talk to yourself, or a wall, or a blog that no one ever reads!

One of my goals for 2006 is to create a stronger internet presence.
I live in a very remote part of kentucky and do not have internet at my house. I want to develop a workflow that allows me to keep my website, groups, blogs as close to real-time as possible. With the help of public libraries, hotspots, and friend's broadband, it is possible.

I am also going to make my webpage web standard compliant.
Basicaly, I will have to completely re-write my site, BUT it will be easy to update and it will work on any number of browser, machines, etc. I have ordered a book called "bulletproof web design". If you have any suggestions, they would be greatly appreciated.

I am continuing the traditional get fit resolution.
After running 2 marathons, i have become a full fledged madman. I am training for my 3rd which will be Cincinnati's Flying Pig Marathon. My goal is to complete the 26.2 mile race in less than 4 hours. This requires a strict regimen of running, exercise, diet and more running. Of course, i am interested in any fittness type discussions.

So, what about YOU?
I would like to hear what kind of resolutions you have made for the new year. Just think, if you share your resolutions with an audience, your chances for success are greater!

Thanks for Visiting (and posting)
I am going to try and post once a week, so please bookmark this blog and tell your friends!

have a great week
ken