Consider this idea as you have started
to gain momentum in the studio, or have a problem area in your current
artwork.
Over the winter I got into the habit of using our treadmill in my studio. What a great way to look at art! With nothing else to distract, aesthetic issues get an in-depth viewing with plenty of time to consider, “What if…”
I saw an article on CBS Sunday Morning about incorporating treadmills into the office, with workstations outfitted for pacing. They made the point that endorphins are released, increasing creative thinking. I’ve definitely experienced this as I tread before my paintings.
Over the winter I got into the habit of using our treadmill in my studio. What a great way to look at art! With nothing else to distract, aesthetic issues get an in-depth viewing with plenty of time to consider, “What if…”
I saw an article on CBS Sunday Morning about incorporating treadmills into the office, with workstations outfitted for pacing. They made the point that endorphins are released, increasing creative thinking. I’ve definitely experienced this as I tread before my paintings.
I regularly have concerns about my abstract images. What’s working, what isn’t; what’s the matter, why doesn’t it work? Often I will put off decisions about that
next step until I’ve had a chance to tread before the artwork.
Sometimes I am anxious as I enter my studio: what needs doing, deadlines, or ordering my
day. The treadmill is a great way to
sort it all out. It’s perhaps counter
intuitive, because I feel urgency about getting started. But the exercise orders my thinking. Inevitably, I end my workout knowing what to
do and how to do it.
I go for 45 minutes at the beginning of my studio day. I slowly build up to 3.5 mph at 6 degrees
incline. It takes about 20 minutes to
get there; I hold it for 10 minutes, and then back off for the final 15
minutes. Not a grueling pace, but it
gets the job done. Hydrate!
I’m considering including treadmills in exhibitions of my
artwork. I want to encourage viewers to
regard my pieces more thoroughly. It’s
an accomplishment to get 30 seconds of serious consideration for a painting from exhibit
attendees…how about 5 minutes from treading?
5 minutes while looking at an artwork won’t release any endorphins,
but that’s a significant increase in viewing time. What if a treadmill was installed for every
painting—or maybe every 2 or 3 pieces? That
would be a more practical arrangement as a number of artworks could be viewed
per station. What about groups of
treadmills, so more than one viewer could participate at once?
Would this encourage interaction between viewers? Would people become self-conscious?
Would this encourage interaction between viewers? Would people become self-conscious?
The treadmill creates an interactive element, which is novel
for a standard exhibition of paintings.
Perhaps this would create opportunities for different kinds of exhibits
and venues? Maybe the gym!
At any rate, if you’ve got the machine give it a try! I’ve been surprised by the quality of viewing
experience. By the end of my session any aesthetic choices have
been well considered. I have utter confidence going forward. I've weighed my options, visualized
the results and resolved the situation...all before touching brush to canvas.
It’s a great approach to problem solving!
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