12-03-2017, 12:21 AM
I'm not sure how well informed my comments here may be; I imagine that there's a specific type of burnout from tackling the same set of problems for an extended period of time.
I think there are a few pit falls, or traps, associated with being someone who makes art. Principally in mind is the the identity of being an "artist", and not making art. Similarly important, I think, is the drive to produce a high quality outcome. We focus on the outcome, which for the most part, drives us to further our skills. The question then, is what happens when we cannot produce an outcome that is in any way fulfilling?
Well, probably not much, which is the issue.
Again I'll preface with the acknowledgement that having tackled a problem for an extended period of time comes with the habits and workarounds that tend towards productivity.
I think that rather than focusing on the product, or working for the outcome, we as artists should strive to produce art not for the outcome, but for the love of the process. While adopting this attitude sidesteps some of the drive that pushes you to excellence, I think it also dodges some motivational issues related the outcomes and the finished product.
I'm sure you've read it, or at least heard of it, but in case you haven't I must recommend
Art & Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking by David Bayles and Ted Orland.
I think there are a few pit falls, or traps, associated with being someone who makes art. Principally in mind is the the identity of being an "artist", and not making art. Similarly important, I think, is the drive to produce a high quality outcome. We focus on the outcome, which for the most part, drives us to further our skills. The question then, is what happens when we cannot produce an outcome that is in any way fulfilling?
Well, probably not much, which is the issue.
Again I'll preface with the acknowledgement that having tackled a problem for an extended period of time comes with the habits and workarounds that tend towards productivity.
I think that rather than focusing on the product, or working for the outcome, we as artists should strive to produce art not for the outcome, but for the love of the process. While adopting this attitude sidesteps some of the drive that pushes you to excellence, I think it also dodges some motivational issues related the outcomes and the finished product.
I'm sure you've read it, or at least heard of it, but in case you haven't I must recommend
Art & Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking by David Bayles and Ted Orland.