One thing I wished I’d done more of as an artist

I want to introduce you to the beginning of a new series of work: Typography and Texture. Before telling you how this idea came to be, here’s a sneak peak at the unframed piece.

Combining colorful textured paint with words to tell a visual story. 

This first one, “YUCK”, came to be while I was playing with mixing baking soda into heavy body acrylic paint. It looked like frosting. Frosting is pretty yummy and I thought it would be funny to juxtapose that with the word choice.

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As we approach the end of this whirlwind year, I wanted to hit pause and reflect on some transformative moments in my art journey. 

For a long time, I hesitated to step out of my comfort zone, but this year, that's changed big time. So grab a cup of coffee (or your beverage of choice), and let's dive in!

"Why didn't I do this sooner?" - The Power of Experimentation

Do you ever look back and wish you'd taken more risks in your life? Yeah, me too. 

For the longest time, I was hesitant to experiment with my art, largely because I was worried about wasting materials. 

I wasn’t even making any money from my art back then, so splurging on materials that might just end up in the trash? That was a big 'NO' from me.

Fast forward a bit, and I decided it was time to monetize my passion.

This year has been a landmark for me, especially with all the mural projects I've gotten to work on.

Having income from my art has shifted my perspective on what 'waste' really means. Each experiment is now an invaluable lesson, a stepping stone that helps unlock a new technique, style, or perspective.

Lately, I've been experimenting with hand-lettering and textured acrylic paint. The freedom to mix and match different techniques without the fear of wasting materials has been liberating.

A Pilgrimage to MoMA: Unexpected Inspiration

So, in the middle of this personal renaissance, I jetted off to Manhattan with my amazing team at Google. 

One of the highlights was a visit to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). 

To keep things interesting, I didn't research what would be on display, and man, was I in for a treat.

I stumbled upon an exhibit called "Ed Ruscha Now Then" on the top floor. 

Prior to this, Ed Ruscha was an artist I’d never heard of. But his art? Mind-blowing.

He focused on words as art pieces themselves, which struck a chord with me. 

I've been toying with the idea of incorporating words into my art but never thought of making the words themselves the centerpiece. His exhibit was validating.

The gears in my head started turning, and I couldn't wait to get back to my own studio to start creating.

Typography Meets Texture

This MoMA visit and my recent experiments culminated in a brainwave: why not combine typography with textured paint?

I've always been a fan of thick, impasto-style paintings, and let's not forget my enduring love for typography.

And a new chapter in my art journey unfolded.

The first piece to come out of this blended technique was "Yuck," which I talked about above. There's a whole lot more where that came from. The possibilities feel endless, and the thrill of creating something like this is exhilarating.

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In closing, this year has been a wild but incredibly fulfilling ride. My newfound willingness to experiment has been both liberating and enlightening. 

If there’s anything I’ve learned, it's that taking risks in your art can yield incredible rewards.

Here's to more discoveries, more art, and more shared moments in the coming year!

Catch you later,
Crawdad

P.S. Always open for a chat about art, design, or anything in between. Don't be a stranger!