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Even though Underground Art School just came out about a week ago, I'm already gearing up for the next one. The issue is about simplicity and back to basics and as the person behind the publication I have to ask myself why is simplicity and complexity important for art students (and creative professionals) to understand? I can't seem to come up with an answer but I do know that confusion will help no one. Maybe I need to ask the question to someone else.
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I'm Racheal Anilyse! Art is how I communicate. It's my language. I'm an illustrator, graphic designer + indie publisher.
I am the creator of Underground Art School, I am a contributor on the art + illustration blog Pikaland and I am currently working on a career in children's books.
Hey!
I was so ready to answer that, and you know? It's not an easy answer. I'm going to think about it overnight and hopefully come back with a response tomorrow.
Posted by: linda | 06/10/2009 at 04:44 PM
I can't wait for the homework on this one! I think what is important isn't simplicity and complexity themselves, but understanding when to utilize each to create a balance in your art.
Posted by: greenspacegoods | 06/10/2009 at 05:40 PM
@Linda
Yes! I know, every time I believed I had an answer, I am not sure.
@Lani
What you said goes along the lines of what Dorien Taylor tweeted to me...."our idea of what is "simple" is actually just "familiar" and "complex" is really "unusual"."
Posted by: Racheal | 06/10/2009 at 08:45 PM
i agree with @greenspacegoods, but i think it's a little more sophisticated.
less is more: a haiku about falling leaves has a lot more impact than a scientific explanation about physics and gravity.
simple means there's less information, and what's there, by default, is more important.
i don't know that basic has much to do with simple. basic is more about learning, but not finished art. basic doesn't convey a process; it's a beginning.
i think i'm a little biased about 'simple' because my favorite artist is Motherwell and he's pretty extreme in his minimalist brushwork. when i look at a painting of his i'm in awe and i find it hard to believe everyone else in the room isn't staring at it in disbelief as well.
ah, to each his own. but for me, less IS more.
Posted by: linda | 06/11/2009 at 04:02 PM
I have just been blessed with the extreme good fortune of finding your blog. Holy Cow! I love your work and your ideas.
Posted by: Laura Miller | 06/17/2009 at 11:09 PM
@linda---fine line between simple and sterile, so maybe that's why some people don't like simplicity. hehe
@laura---aw! hello! it's lovely to meet you!
Posted by: Racheal | 06/20/2009 at 01:17 AM
racheal,
Totally.
Posted by: linda | 06/22/2009 at 02:33 PM
I've just written up my proposal for this semesters work at the ANU School of Art in Canberra.
My proposal is all about trying to bring myself back to simple, almost childlike patterns and designs, in an attempt to sort of reboot and refresh my practice in the studio. I think we all get so hung up on trying to be amazing artists that we all forget to just enjoy the things we make.
There is this book from the 80's called teaching colour and form, which is all about art classes for children aged from 10 - 16, and the examples they have of the children's work are so much more inspiring than looking at polished, finished works.
There is a beauty in simplicity.
Posted by: Effie | 08/04/2009 at 01:59 AM