Unearthing the Roots: A Reflection on Artistic Evolution. Through Travel, Blogs & Journal Archives
Hi everyone!
I recently embarked on a fascinating journey going back through the archives of my blog posts from my old website, a space I initiated in the early 2000s. My initial intention was to create a chronicle of my artistic and creative life, a sort of public diary that might also offer something of value to others. Hope you enjoy it!
Older artworks. 2004
In revisiting these older posts and also journals, I discovered a rich vein of personal history. It was possible to pinpoint pivotal moments in my artistic trajectory, tracing back to the start of specific ideas and artworks. More significantly, I gained a clearer understanding of *why* my work and artistic practice have undergone such significant transformations over the years, leading to its current form.
See… Wallmatter -Jenny Davis 2016
A notable shift began to occur following an arts residency in Spain in 2005, and was further expanded by numerous subsequent visits to Europe and the UK. While I have always embraced working across disciplines, abstract painting consistently served as my primary mode of expression. However, a growing dissatisfaction with the limitations of paint began to set in, leading to a period where my creative output felt particularly challenging. It was after a three-month stay in France in 2007 that a realization solidified: I could no longer rely solely on paint to articulate my evolving ideas.
This realization became a catalyst for experimentation. A series of installations, video works, and a book of photographs emerged, alongside explorations in textiles and collage. Influenced by the spirit of Dada and Surrealism, I was compelled to basically: re-evaluate my approach as an artist.
See… The Meet the Tenant Project This video began in the subterranean depths of an apartment block on many trips to Paris, France, in 2007 to 2016 and has evolved into an ongoing exploration of memory, presence, and the stories that linger in forgotten places. In this project, I have come to refer to the underground space as "The Dungeon," a metaphorical and literal dwelling that houses the shadows of bygone lives.
The act of revisiting these early blog posts and journal entries, has proven invaluable. It offers me as an artist the opportunity for reflection, allowing me to identify areas for potential improvement and expansion upon previous ideas and concepts.
I am now have a clearer perspective on *how* and *why* my artwork, techniques, and materials have evolved over time, and perhaps, offers a glimpse into the potential trajectory of my future artistic practice.
Looking back isn't just a nostalgic thing to do; it's a powerful tool for understanding the present and informing the future of one's creative journey.
Have you ever found similar insights by revisiting your own past work or creative documentation? I'd be interested to hear about your experiences in the comments.
Enjoy your evening
Cheers
Jenny