Pushing beyond the uncertainties

Weeks ago when Switzerland cancelled the biggest event of the year, the Basel Fasnacht, I, like many others was devastated. Anyone who’s experienced it will tell you that it’s something really special. But there was also relief with the decision in light of the alarming rise and spread of Covid-19 infections in neighboring Northern Italy.

Closed in

As the realities of social distancing began to sink in, a lot of my friends remarked to me, “At least you have art!” And of course I was happy that I had something to hold onto that could take me through this time. But here’s the thing, art reflects the artist’s thoughts, and my thoughts were full of bad ominous news and my mood swung wildly between fear and melancholy. I did not enjoy this roller-coaster of emotions, but I couldn’t find a way to jump off. A shut down in painting, would mean a loss of self expression. As I struggled against the current of world news and isolation, I anchored on one idea - Creative Focus. 

And this is how I reclaimed my Art Space.

Devising a pattern: Squaring up tasks and rounding-up the action plan

To help preserve my sanity, and organize my day, I began limiting my social media time to specific slots. Following an early bird hello on social media with my morning tea, I focused on getting ready for the day and working through all super essential tasks (like breakfast, lunch/prep for dinner, random household chores and email etc.).

Finding my Mojo

10:30 am. The target start time at the Home Atelier set the ball in motion. Luck struck with sunny weather, and I gained further purchase with a sense of wellbeing knowing the must-do work was done. Four tricks helped me set the stage for a productive day:

• Organizing a collection of several sketches, in charcoal and pastels as well as color palette options (planning from the day before).
• Improvising work-space usage by mounting paper on canvas for my easel. I discovered this preparation process is a great way to roll into the Zone. When ready, it’s perfect to stand up and use your whole body to get behind the sketch. 
• Working on two different drawings simultaneously. This method has the immediacy for learning through experimentation. Which means that when I start working with the paint I can change the technique in the second drawing. 
• Setting an alarm for breaks! This is also a good chance to review the drawings, stretch my back and get cracking on lunch with my family.

At the easel, I ready myself with color choices and paint mixing, color swatch making is another process that eases me into the Zone once again. I’ve been experimenting with solutions added to acrylic paint since early January 2020, slowly crossing over from conventional instruction and giving into looser interpretations. 

After committing the first layers, I continue to toggle between the reference, sketches, color swatches and charcoal sketches. This is because the sketches I made are akin to a map. Precision planning is a practice that I find invaluable; it records my first impressions and helps me navigate through color values, saturation of colors and composition. By adding layer upon layer of paint and cross referencing, the image starts taking a definite shape. 

Stepping back several times to stretch and take short breaks also helps to see the work in progress with fresh eyes. At the end of the day, it felt awesome. I was able to immerse myself completely. And with immersion into art came challenge and fulfillment, lifting the pall of gloom.

Experimental observations

There is no known outcome from these “experimentations”; as artists are we intuitive? Analytical? Engaging the left and the right brain to a dual is what sows creativity. Mistakes are how we artists learn. Most times you’re off to a great start and then you do something and ruin it, or other times a piece is too overworked, then you get indecisive and can’t figure out when to stop, leading to being less spontaneous. But sometimes magic does happen. 

For me I know that with every painting I get closer to a breakthrough and getting started on a routine puts some certainty back into my life. Right now I'm queuing up for some magic.

Sharing

At first I thought that with all that’s going on, how could sharing this be meaningful. But I believe (and hope) that if I can make visible however fleetingly the emotional colors of my experience, I’ve distracted you momentarily from any troubles you may be facing.

Sharon Lopes is a graphic designer and artist based in Basel.https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/sharonlopes/

Thank you Jamie Donahoe! Your edit suggestions were excellent and to the point. https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/jamie-donahoe-0280975/.