Thoughts on making crap

Bell School again - Click image for larger view

I am still sketching just about every morning before work and making new marks in my various sketch books. As I look at the pile of books I have filled, I have come to the realization that, so far, I have not made any art…I have merely been working up to that point. I have a while to go. In the past couple of weeks I have had the occasion to talk to a couple of budding creative people, one who is beginning to sketch and another who is beginning photography. They both are concerned with making art. My comment to them is that, right now, in the beginning stages, all the images they are making are crap. Right now they are learning to see and beginning to understand their tools and all they can do is keep at it long enough to attain the understanding of their tools so they can create an image that reflects their vision. A style will develop, vision will become clear and purpose will reveal itself. I am still struggling with that, but feel that I am getting a bit closer to that end. I have been fairy diligent over the past year or so trying to sketch every day. I am still experimenting with various tools and materials, with various styles and with various visions, with value and hue, with composition and with just what it is that drives me to do this. I have done well over 500 sketches and feel like I have a good start. There is nothing in these sketch books that I consider art - it's all crap - but it is my start on a journey that will hopefully lead me to a destination that allows me to produce an image that reflects my vision. Right now all we can do is keep at it until it reveals itself -- like Yoda said -- 'There is no try, only do' -- so I will continue to make my marks on paper and encourage others to do the same.

Komatsu Bucket Loader - Click image for larger view