Magicians throughout time have always closely guarded their secrets. “How did you do that” is the question magicians hunger for most it seems. This question is usually followed quite quickly, almost without fail, with the textbook response “A magician never reveals his tricks”. Artists are no different. Ask an artist how they achieved a certain texture or aesthetic and you’ll likely be met with a very uncomfortable and agitated artisan, eyes darting from side to side, trying to find the closest exit. You might be lucky enough to get cornered by an art major who is more interested in explaining the angst behind his work and after an hour of them speaking you realise they’ve said nothing and have given you no indication of their process or technique.
I believe in the free exchange of ideas and technique. This isn’t always easy because everyone receives and processes information differently. For example, I just have to watch someone perform a certain technique and I can apply that instantly to my own work. Being a visual artist, this is very handy. Other folks however have great difficulty translating what they see into the motor skills needed to execute the envisioned result. Whichever way works best for you is not important.. the passage of information is the key.
However you learn, whatever it takes to turn your thoughts into reality one thing is certain… we learn and incorporate new things faster by conferring with others. In my opinion there are not enough Warholesque factories out there where creative people can come together and share ideas, techniques, and visions. Oh sure, there are art schools, but I feel that art schools in general are more interested in making you think in a conformist manner in order to get a grade. There are art clubs.. but these tend to be more about politics than art. There are even councils who have the best interest of the artists at heart, but are not particularly helpful in bringing them together for the purposes of collaboration.
I’m open to any and all questions on technique, process, materials, or any other thing you need to make your art a reality. I encourage any other artists out there, regardless of technical ability, to do the same. Consider it a challenge if you must. A challenge to help out as many fellow artists as you can every day… What harm can that possibly do.