Mix It Up

Do you focus on one primary type of creative expression?

Maybe it’s time to mix it up.  

I’ve heard that when we need to get out of a rut, we should do something fresh, like take a new route to work.  When we’re out of our routine, our comfort zone, we have to focus on new details and information.  We have to think.

Could this be relevant to art, as well?

My art of choice is writing.  And, for the past couple of years, I’ve added podcasting to my repertoire.  Still, both of those forms of expression use words.  

Sometimes, I need to stretch my mind and my skills, and create in a different way.

Last week, I decided to redo an old, plastic-topped folding table that we had sitting in the backyard.  It was perfectly functional, but it looked rather worn and tacky.

It was time for an update for the table, and some hands-on artwork for me.

I used a spray-painting technique that I adapted from watching street artists in New York City.  While I don’t have near the skills that I’ve seen these artists demonstrate, it’s fun to try.  

My project involved multiple layers of colors, masking tape, and guesswork.  The effect was a retro 90s look that reminds me of outer space and classic video games.  It’s not half bad!

And we still have another table that could use a new look.  I might have to work on that this weekend.