Reflecting on the opposite of embracing imperfection, I find myself considering perfectionism. I’ve noticed that when I strive for absolute perfection in my art, it often leads to procrastination, a fear of making mistakes, and self-doubt.
I recall when I was younger and experimenting with different art mediums. I had this expectation that everything I created would turn out wonderfully, right away. My initial attempts didn’t meet that perfect ideal. Now it seems unrealistic to expect a piece of art to be flawless on the first try, especially as a beginner without formal training.
Watching process videos of other artists has helped me observe how I tend to work, in a very controlled way. I will prioritize neatness over a more natural, raw approach
Working on multiple pieces at once, is a helpful technique, focusing on quantity over initial quality usually works well, as it prevents me from over-investing in a single piece.
Interestingly, I admire the unfinished quality or imperfections I see in other artists work.
Quote by Jhumpa Lahiri
Janine, I try to create my work using the principle that it is for my personal enjoyment only, that the process of making is the most important aspect, and that if all else fails it can reside in the bin and I won’t tell anyone. Then I really mess something up and find I don’t want to discard the item as it may find a new home as something else, something different, a second life. We go back and reimagine.