Scribbles, Scratches, and Stencils

 

Improv
©2024 Ruth Borges
8"x10", acrylic on watercolor paper

I remember seasons when I let the critical voice have its way and I would stop creating for long periods of time. I became reluctant to start again or even try something new. Even if I wanted to, I couldn’t figure out where to begin. I missed the joy of creating because I hated making mistakes. I feared failure. The time came when I longed to create again so much, I didn’t care about mistakes. I just had to try once more. Tentative at first, a little anxious, but I kept going. A whole stash of little uglies (as one of my art teachers would say) came along followed by critical thoughts I had to swat away like flies. And then finally, a composition I really liked. Fear and pride tried to hang on, but it was too late. Joy and confidence won the match this time. I wish I could say I never had a creative block since. I simply learned to just dive in, trust the process, and not obsess over perfection.

I enjoy experimenting with a mix of visual elements, while listening to background music, and before I know it, I’ve lost track of time. The order, layout, and size of visual elements I work with varies. The composition may orbit around a few morphing cycles before it lands and settles into a visual statement I'm pleased and at peace with. The result is a unique solution I could never duplicate. The levels of depth and complexity achieved through layers of color, scribbles, scratches, and stencils is fascinating. Endless possibilities. The energy released by scribbling creates a visual language that words couldn't even begin to express. It's like a snapshot of a moment in time. It can't be replicated in the same way it was created. It's one of a kind.

Your turn! Just for fun, if you’d like, try this similar exercise: Using three colors you like, brush layers of each on a sheet of watercolor paper or mixed media paper. Let them dry. Add contrasting colors over some of the layers and, while the paint is wet, scratch or scribble through with a pointed tool, like a bamboo skewer, to show through the color underneath. Use a brush to scribble some flowing lines. Add some stenciled pattern elements. Remember there's no right or wrong answer, so no need to overthink it. Do a whole stash of these. The more you practice, the more you will come up with ideas for different arrangements and levels of complexity. When you’re done, you may find you like some and not others; some will end up looking more overworked than others. All of it is okay. You’re giving yourself grace and space to explore and experiment. No judging. It’s not about perfection, but about the process. After a session, set your work aside and, after a couple of days, review it. Then ask yourself:

Which ones do you like the most? Why?

Which ones do you like the least? Why?

What would you change?

What would you add/remove?

Maybe you find it’s just not your cup of tea. That’s totally fine. What matters is that you gave it a try. You can check it off the list and try something else. Maybe you did like it and might have discovered a fun and interesting way to exercise your creativity. You can fill sketchbooks of these with abandon and experience the flow of endless possibilities. Your art making evolves as the process nudges you to try new things. The world of "what if" opens up: "What if I try this unusual color combination? What if I add some scribbles and scratches, add some stenciled  patterns, then collage onto the composition different sized letters or patterns cut out from a magazine?” Yes, it will get messy. That's part of the art making journey. It does get better with lots of practice. Shut out any thoughts like "What makes me think I can do this? What am I doing this for? Is it worth it?" Been there so many times! But, thankfully, I choose not to stay there.

Below are some quotes on creativity I want to share with you:

“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use it the more you have.” - Maya Angelou

“An essential aspect of creativity is not being afraid to fail.” - Edwin Land

“If you hear a voice within you say 'you cannot paint,' then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.” - Vincent Van Gogh

“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together” - Vincent Van Gogh

Like a muscle, creativity grows and strengthens with practice. But fear of failure hinders practice. Sometimes we’re very much aware of that fear, and sometimes it sneaks in without notice. Reluctance, resistance, objection, doubt, anxiety spring up and branch out of fear, sabotaging the slightest possibility of desiring to create anything. Lop off those bad-fruit branches! You were made to create.

Remember, God enjoys creating. He made us in His image, which is why we, in some form or another, create. We reflect His nature when we do so. And when we embrace, develop, and share God's gift of creativity, we grow, we bless many, and God is glorified. He's just as much with you in the frustrating messy parts of creating as He is in the that final piece that wonderfully comes together, giving you joy and the motivation to do it all over again!