Taking a New Direction
I am continually learning that the world is colored in many shades. Recently, I have been realizing and applying this to my work as an artist researcher. I have been struck by the realization that it is important to allow ideas to fluctuate. There are so many factors in creating something that it is impossible to control each one or have every one contained in the final piece. Sometimes the creation process takes an unexpected direction, one that deviates immensely from the concept that was initially sculpted and that initial image has to be left behind in order to move forward.
It’s okay to mourn the loss of the original vision.
The original image may have been just as effective as the new one, but it’s still okay that it has changed.
What is vital is what is conveyed; the essence of the piece.
It is like refining a gem. The stone is valuable and beautiful at all stages of its existence. But as its layers are chipped and rubbed away, the purpose of the gem is made clear and simple to comprehend. It is the same with the artistic process.
I have begun to realize this as “Bridge” takes a new direction. As the ideas are refined, the mode of conveyance is changing but the essence of what we are working toward remains the same. The purpose of the piece is not to appear the way I envisioned originally, but to reach out to those observing it and affect them in the way all the collaborators desire.
The piece will accomplish everything it needs to. It will become more than we expect.
Deveny Miles
January 2015
Intern for Dry Run Studio “Bridge” project
