I skimmed the New York Times online recently, and came across an article that not only shed light for me on a topic that I’m not well versed in, but also made me respect an artist I had never heard of before. Apparently artists do a “concept sketch” on normal paper before actually putting it on the canvas. They use this as a means to plot out their ideas, and figure out how they want to structure each particular piece. I actually found this notion (which sounds like a very basic strategy that most abstract artists used) a bit perplexing. I always thought that art wasn’t something that should take so much planning and “blueprinting,” especially abstract art. But then again, when Professor Smaldone broke down certain pieces of art when we were at MOMA, it did sound like a lot of beforehand preparation was made before doing each piece. Confusion, confusion, there is no single way to ever make art!
But this abstract artist, Thomas Nozkowski, does the exact opposite. He doesn’t put that much thought into what goes on the canvas. “I believe in those principles of not doing preliminary sketches — of acting, not having a preconception of where you’re going to go.” Instead of doing a warm-up sketch in which the artist prepares for what’s going to be put on the canvas, Nozkowski does a “cool down” sketch. He uses pencil and paper to have them reflect on his finished masterpiece (whatever he placed on the canvas). It’s similar to the notion of writing a paper after a class is over to reflect on what the class did for you, what were you trying to achieve by taking the class, and how you feel after achieving your goals in said class. You cogitate about what you just did.
I liked Nozkowski’s “old school” approach. Doing without much thinking. “Too much information is a trap for the viewer,” as he bluntly puts it when discussing his views on titling work and the artist’s inspiration. While I personally believe that there should be a good amount of thinking done where art is concerned, too much thinking and too much information spoils the piece. This artist has a rather laid back, natural approach to abstract art, and he is definitely someone I can appreciate now.
His exhibit consists of 19 pairs of works, a canvas with a sketch underneath it. It’s located at Pace Gallery at 510 West 25th street. The article itself (which can be viewed here) does not state the dates that this exhibition will be available for, but I would love to go see it. (Edit: I went to the Pace Gallery website, and this exhibition goes on until the 4th of December! And all you have to do is take the E train to 23rd street to get there!)
On canvas.
On paper. The cool down sketch.
This would be an awesome outing! I’m very interested in this artist’s methods, so if anyone wants to make this into an event, I’m in!
As a musical composer, I find myself relying on improvisation first, then theory second. Meaning, I follow my natural creative instincts before forming a final piece. Many artists want others – especially students – to create art technically in order to formally learn; the apprentice will usually completely plan out a work of art before bringing it to life. Although this may work in the classroom, it certainly is not the only way to create art in the “real world.” Thomas Nozkowski is a clear example of the notion that, as you said, “there is no single way to ever make art.”
But a cool down sketch? That’s interesting! I personally have never heard of that idea before.
Many of these ideas were touched upon at the 92 St. Y. When an artist is “in the zone” there is a kind of “subconscious” control without any “conscious” control. this is quite common among performing musicians, artists, composers, etc. who literally lose track of time. Choices seem to simply be made for you Composing is not a process of careful choice but more like “uncovering” something that was always there. Sometimes (if you are deep within the zone) you can start to second guess yourself and wonder if you really wrote whatever is on the page or if you are just copying something that already existed.