The Pivot
Perspectives from The Artist's Road
We received a response to our article “Living in the Ow” from artist Shere Chamness, who shared with us her challenges with having to limit her outdoor painting time in the bright sun due to eye surgeries.
Her solution? Creating tiny fifteen-minute-only paintings using Altoids tins. To her surprise, it was not only fun but improved her overall skills. We, too, have found it interesting that unexpected forced limitations often kick our creativity into new exciting spaces.
Shere writes: “Somehow, doing the quick little plein air paintings helped me move past my previous weaknesses!
It forced me to work on composition, proportions, color mixing and capturing a non-detailed image in a short time. And, the little tiny paintings are still fun.
I just completed my 60th one. Each canvas is just 1.75” x 3.25”. I carry all the supplies I need in a child’s insulated lunch pack.
Anyway, my main message is that your injury might end up pushing you beyond your limitations in some way.
PS: My eyes have healed up now. I don’t need glasses and can see better than when I was 12 years old. I am now 76!”
We think that this was a brilliant solution to a challenging physical change. Thanks to Shere for sharing with us. To learn more about Shere Chamness and to see more of her work (both small and large), visit her website: Shere Chamness Fine Art.