Documenting the act of creating art can sometimes be as important as the finished work. Sometimes the effects of the documentation are visible, showing pieces the viewer wouldn’t normally see and adding another layer of meaning. Other times, I think, the documentation is just simply part of the background. The story of the journey leading up to the finished project.
So why am I rambling about this today?
I just finished reading a book by Wafaa Bilal about his project ‘Domestic Tensions‘ that took place in Chicago in 2007. The book and project are very amazing and made me think about quite a few things as I was reading it.
One thing he did during his project was keep a video blog on YouTube documenting the progress, his feelings, etc.
In the past, I have not documented the creation of any of my projects very much. In fact, I often hide everything to do with them until the very end. I don’t think I am wrong in doing that, but I do think the project I am working on now needs a different approach.
My goal in this is to document the continuation of this project here in this blog. Everyday, Monday through Friday, I will be posting another piece of the puzzle. It may be an image, it may be a few lines (I do need to add text to this project), it may be links to things that have inspired me that day, who knows. Most posts will be short, but my goal is that they will be there. Please feel free to comment and critique.
If you would like to know a little background on the project:
The working title is Digital Dreams of Life. Previous images I have created that fit with this theme are in this gallery and many other images that I think will fit in there but I’m still questioning are here. The artist statement about the work is here. The show will be up at Bloomington Art Center in September, 2010. It will be in the Atrium gallery which is gorgeous, well lit, and huge!
I’m hoping that by posting all of these bits, it will help me to stay on track with the work I have ahead of me for this project, and give some of you a little insight into the art journey I’m on right now. I hope it isn’t boring for you!
Stay tuned!
~Peace~