The Happiest Place in the World- Oil on Illustration Board 16'' x 20'' by Tim Chappell
It’s true for most artists of any type, that music is necessary. We brand our style, and find synonyms in the music that inspires us. I don’t find my passion with music as much as I’d say I use it as gasoline. I burn it up when ever I’m working, it’s that midnight oil that makes me move, the direction is my own, but the throttle is pushed down so in tune with my engine when I have my tunes jamming.
On this note, it has become fact that with painting I will return to the same band throughout almost an entire piece. It keeps my style consistent. The mood of the idea for the painting chooses the mood of the music. The awkwardness of “The Happiest Place in the World” for instance, with its themes of energy and potential, shadowed over by the hesitance and weight of past grief- was entirely painted while listening to Arcade Fire - The Suburbs. http://bit.ly/1a03Wc7
Film on the other hand, A truly wonderful movie will surpass music in its potential to inspire me. For instance, after seeing Daniel Day-Lewis in There Will be Blood I could not sleep. My night was filled with depth and ideas, vintage designs and prolific abuse of nature. The potential of corruption and vile hatred. the subtleties in Day-Lewis’s face inspired me to paint- a portrait with Jesus eyes, and an oil stained mustache. Brow tilted to represent so many notions while his nostrils flare.
It could be said, I suppose, that without importing desirable passion- I may be severely hindered in my export production. In a white room, like purgatory- with all the supplies in the world, however my brain stepping into it as a blank canvas, it is very hard to imagine what I would produce. It would have skill, and precision, but would it be desirable? inspired? I aspire to inspire passion, but I’ve got to have my fuel.
I’m always looking for new inspirations, feel encouraged to share some if this makes any come to mind. - Do any of you feel that your more productive in that white blank room?
Hey, Tim. Thanks for sharing a little about your process. For me, my imagination tends to get sparked by experiences. I'm at my most stale when I don't take the time to do something other than working on projects. Recently I've found the poetry that I used to read as a kid, particularly that of Shel Silverstein, really inspiring. I love Magic: http://bit.ly/1fasGh6
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the music that you shared too. The video is really powerful. It reminds me of how strange it is that our country's military is so much a part of our daily lives, and yet we are also so far removed from it.
Again, thanks for sharing!
Bah! I just realized that my return comment never posted! There seems to be an issue with blog comments from my phone... Alas, I concur! if i don't get away from myself and go out into the world my passion ceases to exist. i derive so much of what i am from my surroundings. And it doesnt have to be some beautiful adventure! things like people watching at the thrift store can fill my bank for passion.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of magic too! the film The Prestige does an excellent job of capturing the passion that drives magic. however your bitly link doesnt seem to be working? Im glad you liked that video!