We’ve started a new “assignment” for TRAG members to try and inspire conversation and new work based on our August 2018 meeting program. We began the August meeting discussing “Limitations and Creative Problem Solving” by showing a TED Talk by artist Phil Hansen entitled “Embrace the Shake,” where he talked about dealing with a physical challenge that tested his faith and resolve as an artist.

From there we talked about how our limitations, either inherent or self-imposed, can be embraced to result in new work. Through problem solving and conversation five groups shared their challenges and did some creative problem solving. We brainstormed lists of inherent or self-imposed limitations that might keep us from or inspire us to create new work:

Inherent Limitations – factors we may not be able to control that prevent us from creating art.

• Space, Time, Money, Energy, Physical Difficulties, Emotional Difficulties, Access to Tools, Education

Imposed Limitations – factors we can control that we intentionally use to eliminate obstacles and simplify process.

• Subject (conceptual or specific), Focusing on the Use of a Specific Tool, Focus on a Technique, Using time limits to either force quick creation or a stopping point

Ultimately the discussion resulted in the beginnings of a quarterly TRAG member assignment meant to spark creativity and get people creating art. Each of the five groups decided what their assignment would be and we’ll see the results of those assignments over the next three general meetings as people start to bring in their interpretations of the assignment.

Assignments by group for the Quarter of August 13th – November 12th

• Clay and Glass Work: Use new materials that you haven’t used before
• Painters: Three colors
• Jewelers: Ocean
• Mixed Media: Harvest
• Photographers: Pick an Element of Art as Subject – Form, Line, Color, Space, Texture, or Value

These assignments are optional of course, but I encourage folks to use them as a way to spur new thinking and work. Allow yourself the space to play and maybe not create your best work in hopes of giving you the freedom to explore new ideas and create art without the pressure of perfection or daily life.

Also feel free to take liberties with the assignment. The goal is to stimulate creation, not stifle it. We’ll share the results of the assignment for those who want to share in our member emails. We can’t wait to see what folks create!

Three Rivers Artist Guild is changing its website to be able to share our news, events and announcements more easily. We hope that you find ways to engage with us through this blog, and that it connects you with our incredible community of artists. Check back regularly for new and current articles.