constraints are what you make them.

the beauty of the grid.

let’s tuck into something(s) fascinating me of late. grids, perception and the art of getting on with it. be sure to tune in to the voiceover or podcast version if that’s your cup of tea / coffee / mélange.

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it’s a fascinating thing, making art. if not for watching what comes out of your own mind take shape, then for recognizing how many rules we apply to it. there was a time before people used canvases, before there was an expectation for framing + hanging artwork. before people put a label on everything created in an effort to lay claim or take ownership of a thing.

there was a time when the perception of creation was limitless.

introspection.

i believe for artists there is an ongoing struggle to create outside of, and despite, the expectations of others. most days it can be enough to get out of your own way and show up to create something, anything. add to that imaginary wall the thoughts, perceptions, convictions of a loud mass and you have a recipe for getting stuck.

so how do i navigate this perception mess and keep creating?

i make up some rules.

i’ve recognized that applying some rules to the creative process can unwittingly unlock a flood of inspiration and momentum. ironic, right?

ground.

whether it be canvas size, color palette, series theme, medium type, etc…when i find the constraints of external voices pounding in my ears like the surf on a big day i, take a deep breath and, choose one rule. or guideline, if you will. by establishing a starting point i’m able to let go of perceived expectations and, once again, get going.

my most frequent ally in this creative dance of getting on with it is none other than, the grid.

a network of uniformly spaced horizontal and perpendicular lines (as for locating points on a map) — grid, merriam-webster

the tension is unbearable.

why the grid? well, to start, they are literal guidelines. as highlighted above, they are helpful for locating points, for way finding at a basic level. guard rails within which to feel grounded. they provide just enough structure to allow a burdened mind the space needed to unwind.

then there’s the urge to go wild, isn’t there something about overt structure that begets the desire to push boundaries? to stretch confines? to break the very rules just established?

finally, perhaps most importantly, they are beautiful. i find grids peaceful in that known surroundings sort of way. a familiar beauty, not unlike a landscape of your favorite horizon line. grids can be applied to, and underlie, every perspective and structure we encounter. the very cells we’re comprised of being a magnificent example of this.

another turn. a timed, open edition for subscribers. 👀

i personally feel in mainstream parlance grids get a bad name. associated with the rigid, cold, confines of urban structure and clinical lines. i challenge people to remember that constraints are what we make them.

what you make them. you get to choose.

rules are meant to be a guide. and grids, well, they’re meant to be broken…or, at the very least, appreciated.

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if you enjoyed this, please hit the 🖤 and help others discover my writing + art. thank you for reading and / or listening this week.

do you have questions or comments? i welcome them below.

see you wednesday!

⚫️✨

p.s. i’ve been revisiting an old fav this week while i tuck into art + work, enjoy some tunes by strfkr. til next week…