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Know you’ll fail, do it anyway
The importance of play, focus and laughter
I was talking to a friend today. I mentioned how in love I am with my latest art. I am doing flow art. It’s a blast. You throw paint on canvas and move it with air and fire. I use a blowtorch. What could be more delightful???
There is an element of science involved. Paint rises and falls based on its viscosity and density. Air and fire facilitate the process. I can precisely calculate the formation of cells through a knowledge of the elements used to create the paint I use. This appeals to the scientist in me. The fact that paint is made of pigment (earth) and flows (water) while being affected by air and fire adds symbolism that appeals to my love of history. It makes me feel in tune with ancient alchemists, the predecessors of today’s chemists.
Plus flinging paint on canvas is fun. It’s messy and what’s more enchanting to my inner child than getting my fingers covered in paint? I love that I can interact so directly with my medium. I don’t need brushes or precision.
Sometimes things go horribly awry. The result is an awful mess. When that happens, I scrape it off, giving myself a new blank canvas to work upon.
I asked my friend if he would like to learn to do flow art. He said no.
