A new development in my paper-cuts, I added some colored vellum yesterday to a composition. In my mind's eye, I was excited to color the violence red, the calmness of deep space a rich blue. In material, visible reality, it was ugly. I had added color to specific points, but that had unbalanced and upset the whole piece. I was upset to realize I knew nothing of color theory, and was tired of working all day on the piece, so I sent a photo of it off to a friend to ask for color advice, something I wouldn't have done a few years ago.
I was enthusiastic to get a very belabored and very considered response, as well as many offered color options. I was enthused.
The more we put things out into the world, the more we ask for collaboration and help, the more we get. I have been turtlish and embarrassed for much of my life concerning art - embarrassed that my works aren’t already great, and embarrassed about what they would imply about my own value.
But I am nothing! We need people to both fill in the skills we lack and perspective we don’t have - our eyes being fleshly locked in our skull sockets. We are fooled into trying to do so much, and be so much, on our own. Open up.
Anyway, I’m off to read about color theory now. One more notch on the belt.
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