Welcome to "Looky Here!"
Hi everyone! I'm Autumn Vann, a contemporary artist based in Texas. This blog is my space to share my artistic journey – from local happenings and achievements to creative resources, tutorials, and the books and artists that inspire me.
For the past fourteen years, I've been painting, and I'm eager to become a more active member of the online art community. Many artists believe that exploring different mediums or styles can be detrimental, but I firmly believe that artistic growth thrives on exploration.
Recently, I've embraced pottery. Joining a local class has opened up a whole new world of learning and introduced me to a welcoming community of artists. The anticipation of each pottery session is exhilarating!
Crocheting has also become a significant part of my creative life. Painting can be a solitary endeavor, demanding intense focus and often creating a messy workspace. Crocheting offers a wonderful counterpoint. It allows me to stay creative while socializing with friends, attending gatherings, or simply enjoying a movie with family. Connecting with other fiber artists has been incredibly inspiring.
Furthermore, I've been exploring new materials and themes in my paintings. As an adult, I often find myself plagued by self-doubt:
"Will this artwork be good enough to share?"
"Does this piece align with my artist statement?"
"Will it fit stylistically with my other work?"
"Will it look like it was created by a different artist?"
After much reflection on my artistic philosophy, I realized that the joy of creation should take precedence. I've consciously allowed myself to experiment more freely, embracing a childlike sense of wonder. My current work often reflects both my adult perspective and the childlike interpretations of scenes and objects I once held.
This shift in approach has stemmed from a regret: I've discarded much of the art I created as a child. While I can't retrieve the past, I'm determined to cherish my present creations. I've even caught myself ripping out pages from my sketchbooks – a habit I'm actively trying to break!
This blog will serve as a chronicle of my artistic journey. I'll share insights into my current work, provide tutorials, and curate a collection of resources and inspiration for fellow artists.