Paying attention to the background

Hi Friend,

This week I explored an art lesson about paying attention to the background and using a grid for a composition. It highlights artist Paul Klee and his use of grids, and his piece “Once Emerged from the Gray Night.” The lesson (on youtube if you're interested) includes trying out different types of lettering and color combinations, plus creating a non-uniform grid.

Paul Klee, Once Emerged from the Gray Night (1978)

I love the juxtaposition of the orderly grid with the mixture of vibrant colors in Klee’s piece. It looks deceptively easy, but after doing the exercise, I have a new appreciation for just how deliberate it is and how much skill is involved.

When I actually followed the prompts to let myself play, I really enjoyed myself. There were also some not-so-great moments when I compared myself to Klee, when I got impatient that it was taking so long, and when I judged myself for not doing it “better.” I truly wish my brain didn’t so frequently go to this place!

It occurred to me recently that the inner critic has something of a reputation as being helpful. There are plenty of stories about creative people destroying their work because they thought it wasn’t good enough or didn’t match their expectations, and then they go on to do something brilliant. I don’t think that tells the full story. Unless you’re inspired by criticism, it can be very draining to let the negative self talk run rampant. I’m not sure that those moments actual fuel better creations moving forward, at least they don’t for me. I’m trying to reform my own critical voice with the “you catch more flies with honey” idea.

But, back to the lesson. For the lettering, I chose a quote from Frida Kahlo - “I used to think I was the strangest person in the world.” I’m often drawn to creative people who feel like they are on the fringe in some way, as I have always felt like that myself, so this seemed perfect.

Tanya Madoff, Strangest Person (2024)

Hope you’re having a lovely day.

xo

Tanya