The series of images below gives you a good idea how non-objective work evolves. Often in my artist journal I’m just experimenting around, without an end point in mind, layering in different ways and combinations. It is more about learning, discovery, quiet meditation, noodling about, and fun, than product or outcome.

In the photos below, I explain each step in the caption of the photo.

Sometimes the unexpected emerges. Sometimes you take it too far and should have stopped. Regardless of what you think at each stage, you can make a new choice, take a risk with a bold creative step, or add a subtle transparent layer, and see where you are from there. If you don’t like something, cover it up. If you like a bit, keep it, while not being too “precious” about any of it. Putter around with it until you like it, and then stop.

Layers of accruing choices gives depth and complexity to the work. What I ended up with here was just as much a surprise to me, in this case, as it is to you. Sometimes it is great just to go along with the flow, and be receptive to the ideas as they come, instead of trying to steer the ship all the time. At each stage the idea of what to do next will come. I love it as a listening process, and see the process of doing this type of work a great metaphor for life.

The release that comes from doing non-objective work in my journal, refreshes me for artwork I do with more intentionality. It also provides me with the technical expertise to understand how each layer will affect the next, so I can plan for the eventualities I desire when attempting more serious conceptual work.

So check out these process photos, and let me know if this kind of post is interesting and/or useful or not. I can do more posts like this, or resume just showing you the completed items, without their genesis and growing pains.