Hi, I'm Allison, a graphic designer based in Western Massachusetts. I work with entrepreneurs who are passionate about what they do. My goal is not only to provide effective graphic design, but be a valuable business resource to my clients.
Ken Robinson makes the point that we are all born creative, but because we were brought up in a society that decided that art is not practical (for supporting ourselves at least), importance is not placed on it in our school systems. We are constantly reinforced with the idea that making a mistake is the worst thing that we can do, and so people don’t take chances– and how can original art exist without chances?
I am currently working my way through The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, and after discussing it with some of my artist friends, it’s amazing how many people have had this experience, and are working their way through it now. If I had a nickle for the amount of times I’ve heard, “I’m not creative”, or “I’m not good at art”, well, you know. I encourage anyone who does not believe that they are creative to really explore the idea, and don’t accept it merely because it was what you were told. If you were supported in your creativity as you grew, appreciate your experience as one of the lucky ones!
“We don’t grow into creativity, we grow out of it. We are educated out of it.”
Last Saturday, I scheduled an inner portait session with local artist, and all around nice person, Dana Wilde. We met in a large studio in the Arts and Industry building in Florence, and after a little chat, she began to create my inner portrait. Unlike a normal portrait, where the artist creates an image based on your exterior appearing, an inner portrait is a visual representation of how the artist sees and interprets you on the inside.
Dana uses a method called ‘touch drawing‘, which incorporates drawing, painting, and printmaking, all into one process. This was my first run in with this medium, but I can see how it would be conducive to intuitive work. There’s no chance for over-thinking, all you can do is let the creativity flow.
Below are the two inner portraits that Dana created for me during our session. I’ve been living with them for a few days, figuring out what they have to say to and about me. As I was editing the photo of the face image, I realized that I had cocked to the right (as I usually do when I’m working), and it was like I was looking in a mirror. As for the cat image, I’ve always had a connection with cats. Being approached and loved by even the cats that “don’t like anyone”. I also see a lot of my personality traits as being cat-like, but not in a bad way (I’m not catty!).
Those of you that are close friends of mine, what do you see in these inner portraits?
Make sure that you check out Dana’s beautiful artwork on her portfolio site, www.danawildeart.com.
Very shortly I will be joining a group of creatives in making my way through the book “The Artist’s Way”, by Julia Cameron. It is a 12 week program that helps artists rekindle their creativity using self assignments and exercises that force you to discover who you are as an artist, and possibly what is holding you back. The book is for creatives of all kinds, whether they be visual artists, writers, or musicians. It is also for people that have always wanted to be an artist but never thought they had what it takes.
I’m looking forward to the challenge, and the new and interesting people and perspectives that I will meet along the way. If you are in the Western MA area and would like to join us, comment on this post with your email and I will send you more information.
