I have an artwork that I have decided not to publish. I am happy with the composition, texture and colour, but a gesture could be interpreted negatively which I do not want. I have to start over as I am too far down the road to backtrack. After living with a piece for a few days, uncomfortable questions about how it could be viewed sometimes emerge. This begins as a faint voice from within before growing into insistent criticism. The path to completing well is as much about doubt as confidence.
I have always enjoyed play, activities we engage in for enjoyment rather than for a particular outcome.
Play often has a practical purpose, at least for me! Being playful is invaluable creatively, socially, and psychologically. I continue to be struck by how often play is not viewed of as a 'serious pastime' and often frowned upon by people in positions of influence and authority in the workplace. Whatever my occupation, when I play more my competence and happiness increases.
There is an intensity and ambiguity to the close encounter of a portrait that leaves us with a palpable experience of the person. We must feel their presence as we approach and gather in the work. Although people are often central in my words and music, they more rarely feature in my images. I view the visual representation of humans as intimate acts of trust, thought, and respect.
William Shakespeare
A place where one fresh thought is presented every day.
Think This Today is the creation of Mike de Sousa, an artist, writer, and composer.