Embracing imperfections in materials, art and life.
Sep 03, 2024
Learning to accept things for what they are by using imperfect materials to create imperfect art Embracing soft pastels again as I work to embrace the imperfections in the materials themselves.
You can mould soft pastels to control them by intentionally creating sharp edges and soft stumps, but when they are left in their natural form as thick, clumsy sticks, they can be unpredictable and a little like sausage fingers as you try and create fine lines and blended detail. Intentionally, I surrendered to let these chalky, messy sticks show me the way.
I scribbled and smudged this energetic floral detail to life, letting the pastels mark the page in their own way and then shifting my attention to suit. This was a fast and high-energy exercise designed to let go and surrender to the imperfections in both the materials and the art, guiding me to learn to accept things simply for what they are instead of always trying to control them.
Take care, Sam x
Sam Horton is a professional artist, passionate about the links between art, creativity and well-being.
Learn more about Holistic art practices for well-being
Sam's Art Studio and Studio Shop are based in Australia on the Sunshine Coast.
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