Isaac Asimov considers the source of ideas

Having spent some recent time thinking about the before & after occurrence of an idea in our brain, especially me trying to describe to my 2D design class how to “brain storm” this article popped out at me.
Isaac Asimov wrote a paper in 1959 for a spinoff of MIT called Allied Research Associates that addresses some considerations in regards to how this thought, an idea may be sprouted. This article about creativity and “How do people get new ideas?” has recently been discovered and posted into Technology Review.
http://www.technologyreview.com/view/531911/isaac-asimov-asks-how-do-people-get-new-ideas/

The Unanswered Question

Robert Genn painting from his
flat-bottomed scow, on the
Nicomekl River in British Columbia

This article from Sara Genn, the daughter of Robert Genn, a Canadian landscape painter who I admire not only for his landscapes and abstractions, but his clarity of writing and observation. I get these writings weekly and they really inspire me to continue delving towards the center of what my art is about.

Historically, my intentions have been to let my work speak for itself and for it to retain a mystery. There is now a push for me to begin to define my work in words as well as visuals. My writing is weak, and the course of learning about describing my work must be developed. The thought of presenting questions instead of answers will be an important direction for me to address. A couple of observations and quotes from the article linked above:

In 1976 Leonard Bernstein lectured on art at Harvard University. “A work of art does not answer questions,” he said, “it provokes them.” He called his talk The Unanswered Question, borrowing his title from the 1908 symphony composed by American modernist Charles Ives. 

“Why talk when you can paint?” (Milton Avery) 

Writing to understand why I make art is going to be a large part of my next few years of exploration. I am not sure what original ideas I may have, but one question that is starting to loom larger in my mind is about “ideas” — where do they come from, and why was there nothing in that place in your mind before?

October 2014 Doodle

just playing with some line and concepts that have been rattling around.

A Reason for Rhombus?

 As I concern myself with why I am using this shape as a foundation or building block for these abstractions it continues to keep my interest thinking about this type of “grid” that can grow in various directions. The forms that appear when arranging the different pieces together still give me a sense of fun and surprise. Even though these are organized shapes, the compositions remind me of graphic molecules and natural patterns.

This group of tiles are utilizing the similar mark making and palette from the previous set, but this time starting off with a much thinner roll out of clay caused a different approach to the marks. This time the carving and drawing affected both sides of the tile, so I had to be much more delicate with the application of pressure.

Maquette of "Sanctification"

So, on this project I wanted to convert my drawing into 3D. I made a small sculpture to work out what this might be like as a dimensional concept. This maquette is 6" tall at the back of the chair, and 5" wide at the very bottom of the tree stump.
In this I am continuing the thought of what does it mean when a tree is cut down, yet used for a higher purpose? Thinking of the definition of sanctification as defined in the Dictionary of Biblical Theology:

“The generic meaning of sanctification is "the state of proper functioning." To sanctify someone or something is to set that person or thing apart for the use intended by its designer. A pen is "sanctified" when used to write. Eyeglasses are "sanctified" when used to improve sight. In the theological sense, things are sanctified when they are used for the purpose God intends. A human being is sanctified, therefore, when he or she lives according to God's design and purpose.”

An opportunity may exist here in talking about this concept without making it a “spiritual theme” upfront. This might be a way to talk about stewardship and design from a direction that does not seem overtly didactic.

It seems to me that people, in general, are interested in efficiencies and engineering with a nod to pure design that would allow me to have a dialog that can be essentially from a vantage point that can later lead a conversation back to God.

Studio Practice, Conceptual Framework Ven Diagram

Some testing to see if my wire idea works

So far this fastening option has not been successful. I am trying some various types/gauges of wire to see how will be the best solution to assembling the tiles the way I envisioned this project. Braided wire is not working but solid core 12 & 14 gauge has worked out well. It's fairly stiff and tends to hold its shape well, but when I lift these, and hang them on the wall they are very floppy still. Not the best solution yet.

wall hanging.

Hanging on the wall finally

2nd Round of Ceramics - this time with a "Sanctification" maquette

Sanctification Sculpture

I decided to build a small maquette of my “sanctificaton” idea. This is a 3d version of the drawing I envisioned. It reminded me of a time when I was working in clay doing special effects on a TV project that never got picked up. I spent a lot of time sculpting and doing mold making. Also, with a few simple drawings under my belt — it was a nice opportunity to envision and realize what a dimensional version might do to my thinking of this concept. Maybe this will be a bridge, or maybe a cul-de-sac. It's too soon to tell, but I am thinking of how I will build my next maquette!

2nd round of tiles.
These are thinner too.

Also, another round of rhombus shaped tiles with bas relief carving and drawing. These have a “next generation” feel to them. I little more confident, and possibly a bit more elegant. This time around I will be more familiar with the glazing choices and application too.

These are in the leather hard to bone dry phase of drying. Soon we can candle them, soak them up to full temp for bisque firing.

Ceramic Rhombus Tiles Fresh Out of the Kiln

Fresh out of the kiln.
I will need to spend some time with these

Here's the whole group - 12 tiles total.

I have been experimenting a bit with some drawing on clay - then glazing/firing them to see what effects may be found. I hope to do another set soon. I will be continuing with this group for a while longer. This will compliment the “auto-mono-prints” that I started last week.

These are approx. 1/2" thick, and I will be doing some that are a bit thinner. I like the heft of them, but we will see what happens with my engineering on the hanging mechanism for the back.

There will need to be some experimenting as to the best way to connect these on the back and see what a good way to hang these (or if they will hang at all!) They may end up as coasters or ash trays or something inglorious.