Last fall, I was struggling with how to find my own style, my own voice—to create art that was original. Art that was my own, and not some version of the most recent class I had taken or artist whose work I had admired on social media.

In my search, I came across Louise Fletcher—an abstract painter, instructor, and podcaster—and her thought-provoking YouTube video titled ‘Secret to Making Unique Art’.

What she said was so simple and true that it knocked me over!  

The secret to making unique art is to identify what I love. To determine my personal preferences and hold fast to them. To not worry about what other ‘real’ or ‘trending’ artists are doing, but to rely on my own choices. To focus on what I enjoy doing. To use the colours, tools, materials, and marks that feel right…that fit me…and not question whether those preferences are right or wrong. There is no right or wrong.

However, discovering my preferences requires trial and error. That means doing the work, playing with materials that appeal to me, and not worry about ‘wasting’ time and resources to find out what fits me best. Engaging in the hard work is an investment in unearthing my style.

“Almost all creativity requires purposeful play.” Abraham Maslow

“Serious art is born from serious play.” Julia Cameron

“This play of mine with brush and ink is the overflow of my inmost heart.” Sengai

Hmmm…purposeful play…serious play…without pinning my hopes on a successful outcome. Let’s see where this leads…