In the Gallery by Leni Wiener
Many emerging artists struggle with finding their voice, or don’t understand why it is important. If you need help, art quilt voice coaching might be for you.
What is a voice?
Your voice is a unique and recognizable artistic style that is distinctly your own; the ultimate form of self expression that reflects your personality and vision in a way that no other artist could. Just as others will recognize the sound of your voice when you speak, viewers will recognize the look of your artistic voice when they see your work.
Many artists grapple with finding their voice, what most don’t realize is that their voice is there from the beginning, they just need to hear it and follow it. This is the reason we always refer to finding a voice, not developing one; your voice is the driving force that makes you create, your “intuition.” Sometimes a voice is so clear that others will recognize it before the artist does.
There are so many different techniques and materials available to use in your art, you must decide which ones express who you are, tell your story, and bring you the most pleasure. Finding a process that works best for you and deciding what you want your work to say is the first step in listening to and finding your voice.
Why do you need to find your voice?
Some artists prefer to work in a variety of styles throughout their careers, producing artwork that reflects different facets of their personality rather than one distinct voice. That is fine. Art Quilt Voice Coaching is designed to help emerging artists who wish to find a singular artistic voice, to help them move towards producing a cohesive and consistent body of work. This is necessary for entering exhibitions, publishing your work, or if you aspire to teach. If you wish to move forward as an artist rather than as a hobby finding your voice is the first and most essential step.
How can I help you find your voice?
Art Quilt Voice Coaching is not the same as a critique. I make no comments on the quality of the work, only the direction. I will guide you to evaluate and discover for yourself what to hold onto and what to let go of, so that your work is a consistent and cohesive representation of who you are as a person and as an artist.
How Art Quilt Voice Coaching Works:
- I will begin by emailing a list of questions for you to answer and return to me by email. These questions are designed not only to give me a snapshot of where you are and what you hope to achieve, but to help you crystallize where you may feel blocked.
- Along with the answers to the questionnaire, you will email as many images of your work as you wish for me to review.
- The consultation takes place on the phone, usually running about an hour. Although it is recommended that you take notes during this conversation, I will email a brief review of the recommendations made during the phone session. The price of the consultation will include follow-up email questions.
- For overseas artists, consultation will take place by email rather than phone.
The cost of the art quilt coaching is $65, payable through Square, which includes the questionnaire, the phone consultation and any follow-up you want going forward.
Email Leni@leniwiener.com for more information or to schedule a consultation.
If you are interested in finding your voice, here are ten things to think about in your search:
Ten things to think about to find your artistic voice
1. Quilt what you know
Working from your own life experiences will insure your artwork is a reflection of you
2. Embrace what you love
Your artwork should be something you feel compelled to create
3. Abandon what you dislike
Embrace the techniques you enjoy and let go of all the rest
4. Trust your instincts
Don’t overthink and over analyze, don’t ask everyone for their opinion, trust your intuition
5. Develop your own working style
Take bits and pieces from everywhere, mix them together and toss things aside until you have a set of working skills that reflect who you are as an artist.
6. Decide on message
Think about what you want your art to communicate, then make art that fits your purpose
7. Create a thread of continuity
Spend some time developing pieces that are thematically, technically and/or color related; work in a series, sustaining these will yield a consistent body of work
8. Engage in quiet reflection
Stress and art are not good companions, it is important to periodically disengage from the world around you to reconnect with your inner voice
9. Work for yourself
Stay true to your own vision, don’t attempt to create art that you think will be chosen by a particular exhibition or gallery. If it doesn’t come from deep within you, it isn’t your voice
10. Expect your voice to change
Artists grow and evolve and change throughout their careers. As an artist, you must always stretch yourself and challenge yourself to do more; re-think, re-evaluate, and revisit your approach, your themes and your techniques. If you stand still your work will stagnate and become boring. Follow your voice where it leads you. Art is a path you follow, not a place to reach and rest.
