In The Universe of Possibility
June 17, 2009 by Janice
“In the measurement world, you set a goal and strive for it. In the universe of possibility, you set the context and let life unfold.”~ Ben Zander
Hm. I am very eager to step into the universe of possibility. I like unfolding. Like some lovely invitation isn’t it? One we look forward to like a fabulous party given by a wonderful host, or a great adventure ripe with mystery and intrigue, or just some time in a special place, alone or with special someones. And that makes flutters in the tummy. An increase in heart rate. Tickles of anticipation. Smiles and oohs and ahhs. Delicious in all its unknowns, in its possible maybes.
Today though, my brain of measurement tells me I have 45 or so mail art postcards to start in order to get there. 33 for the original artists group and an even 12 for our own diverse group. The first one from the artists group to me arrived on Monday. Hm. These are supposed to be mailed out by July. Tick Tock.
My measuring brain says, what have I got myself into? 45 or so?
Yep.
Fantasy interrupted?
Or just the truth behind art and any enterprise?
That there is some work involved.
It’s just a number, right?
With time attached to each one.
How much time attached becomes part of the design at this point. And time is what you make of it. We want the lovely world of possibility, right?
So for me, this is where I borrow from my experience doing quick gesture nudes. 1 and 2 minute large complete drawings of the whole human figure. Usually in 3 hour sessions. A few breaks scattered in. Do the math. Easily, that’s translating over 100 unique poses to drawings over a morning session. And yes, drawing naked people for 3 hours is work, lovely work, but quite draining like anything you bring your whole self to. Lovely draining exquisite work with gorgeous line and beautiful form. We’ll borrow from that.
So that means 45 or so structure drawings based on photo still lifes from my posts… that’s… just a sec…. Yep, just a bit over an hour, maybe half a morning’s session. And the compositions of these will all be done. Pencil scooting across that 300 pound D’arches paper drawing the bones of these pieces for an hour, maybe more. Can you see me smiling? Yes. That will be fun.
What do I do with them then? Ahh the possibility part. We’ll set up some context and let life and art unfold. But right now, in this moment, all we have to do is move through the gestures and structures. Let the pencil lead.
So if you are part of this group, or just looking on here’s the breakdown:
Stamps
Cards
The what you are going to do.
The how you are going to do it.
The beginning to do it part.
That’s where we are now.
The one thing in all this that is most important to remember, is not so much can I make a brilliant piece of art to send, but can I make something that is definitely me, in my own way that plays with something I’d really like to play with.
For me I am happy as lark playing with pencil drawings for a start. You may have a garden catalog to cut to size, or some photo booth pics, or a menu from takeout, or words scribbled down to create texture and enhanced in some way, or your own drawings to begin. Anything that can go through the post is fair game. We have a diverse group. No telling what they’ll choose. The most important thing is that you get to play.
So are you playing? Are you heading toward that lovely universe of possibility?
Have questions? Need a nudge? A sounding board? I’m here. Playing with my puzzles and riddles myself . You have an artist in residence if you need one. So use the comments below, tweet me @jancartier, or send an email.
How is it going for you?
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2 Responses to “In The Universe of Possibility”
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Have you sent out the snail mail addresses yet? What is the plan for timing? thanks
btw, I like that quote.
Todd Smith’s last blog post..Preliminary image selection for next year’s calendar
Hi Todd,
I have the list sans two addresses. I am working on that at this very moment. I’ll send what I have and then update.
I love that quote. Zander is marvelous.