Considering Process

Last month I interviewed Sculptor Gilbert Boro for a feature article in INK magazine.  Interviews are often very enjoyable for me and every time I conduct an interview I learn something surprising.  I've worked closely with Gil Boro for about 3 years, but it wasn't until we sat down to discuss his work for INK that I realized how much Boro really truly embraces, not necessarily the end product of his work, but the process.

Boro spoke to me about the challenges and the fun he has with the stages and series of his work.  He spoke about the way these large scale sculptures of his are put together...the way end pieces meet and how the sculpture hits the ground.  He talked about how when working in a series he is able to revisit a problem or address an issue not fully resolved in the last artistic attempt.  For Gilbert Boro, it's all about the journey.

For the last month or so, I've been thinking a lot about process.  While, of course, I know that a certain conceptual process goes on in creating something; personally I've never really been able to "embrace it."  Process was a means to the end.  I knew it was there lurking behind the scenes, but turning out product for clients and meeting constant deadlines afforded me little time for the luxury of in-depth consideration.  Often I just felt like the machine working for the deadline and the end product.  This was a major mistake on my part.

I believe creativity is intricately bound to process.

Looking back on past work, I noticed that those projects which allowed me time for consideration and to fully develop concepts were superior to those projects which were turned out at Mach speed - duh!  Some projects which were turned around quickly were also quite good, but I attribute that to the mysterious thing that happens when you sometimes throw analysis aside and work from sheer inspiration.  Nevertheless, the projects in which I was able to embrace the process were not only superior but I remember they were a lot of fun as well.

The opening paragraph of Boro's article poses the question, What is it that compels the artist or designer to create?  Is it that first spark of an idea that sends them into the studio?  Or perhaps it is the visualization of the end product that drives the artist to work through the night.  In my case, I think it was often reaching for the end result that drove me to work late into the night.  This, I feel, is mainly due to meeting the deadline or satisfying the client's time line.  Deadlines and time lines are a very real part of the design industry.

One activity where I am hyper focused on process is writing.  Every word is chosen for a reason.  I strive to get the punctuation and grammar as proper as possible although I'd be the first to say I require a good editor.  Not only is the content of the written piece important but also the way the words work together.  I endeavor to be a word weaver.  So, how come the difference between the design and writing process?  Well...for one thing, I think it's because writing is just so unbelievably difficult!!  It requires my complete attention.  When I'm in the process of writing don't expect an immediate reply to your email because I'm not checking email at that time.  Don't call me because I will not answer the phone and in fact, the ringer has been turned off. Don't knock at my door or call my name, because I don't hear you until after the article is completed. When I write it's for fun (in a painful sort of way) but when I design... I'm at work.  Work includes answering phones, responding to email, having to stop what I'm doing to attend a meeting.  I love design more than anything, and I was becoming increasingly attracted to exploring process, so something had to change...

I am now embracing the process and all it's beauty.  I'm making a concentrated effort to be conscious of its presence and what it means.  I have to say...it makes me really happy to do this.  There are a lot of questions involved and a multitude of ways to do things, but it's the challenge of finding a REALLY GREAT solution that holds the nicotine fix of process.  It's having the time to experiment and play and work toward something truly unique and fresh that defines creativity.  I travel around now with a Moleskin in my bag and a stash of pencils for sketching out ideas.  Process is time intensive but I have found that the client receives a better design, better problem solving analysis, and I feel heaps better about the creation and the development of the design. I believe this is why people hire designers.  And I think its important that designers and artists feel good about what they have created.

I'm often most creative at night.  So I've been doing a lot of the conceptual work during the evenings and into the early morning.  This allows me a good span of time after hours to complete a thought and to work on consolidating ideas.  It's a nice quiet time.  Instead of problem solving while I drive or while I'm in the shower, I now actually take the time to sit in my office, pencil in hand and dedicate time to pondering a solution.

I'm making a concentrated effort to be conscious of its presence and what it means.

Just like when I write, I've discovered that when I'm designing I don't have to respond to email immediately.  I need the time and space to see an idea through (or mostly through) to some conclusion. I've started to check email only two or three times a day. It's true what everyone says...  this allows for a more productive day free from distraction.  Emails don't all need an immediate response. Responding to all at the end of the day, is OK.  Don't tell anyone, but I've also started to turn the ringer off on that Blackberry when I'm focusing on a job... that works really well.

Knowledge provides contentment for me and adding to my skill set is exciting.  I'm tired of doing the same old stuff the same old way.  The time has come to expand and grow.  I believe creativity is intricately bound to process. I've updated my hardware and software.  I'm taking tutorials and having a blast.

I'm interested to know what you as designers, artists and writers think.  Do you embrace the process or is it a means to the end?  What is it that compels you to create?  And how do you consider process?

Comments

[Mark Randall Kilburn]

Interesting writings Lisa!

Constant process analysis and keeping a very high level of awareness is great but not always necessary for me. I normally
do the process in my mind and then gather tools and materials, start work and then 100 hours later I have a metal sculpture.
Sometimes I adjust "in process" and sometimes I do not. I think of the old analogy from youth, which is " If you have to drive from L.A. to Las Vegas what car would you choose, a Honda Civic or Ferarri?

A great way to understand process vs end result would be the practice of Tai Chi. While you must concentrate on the form, at the same time you must keep an awareness of the application of the form.

[Jariml]

Very good writing Lisa!
It's funny how as a composer and musician process seems to continue till the actual work is ready. It's like an ongoing adventure and sometimes the original idea might vary a little because of the "open" process if you might call it that way. But as a photographer I just seem to do the process in my mind just before shooting the photo.Maybe the process is already made as soon as I see the target for the photo. Mark Randall Kilburn's thoughts about process and Tai Chi is very interesting too.

[Gilbert Boro]

Great idea Lisa,

I believe the success of your INK article is your ability to listen,
intellectually collaborate and to make difficult ideas understandable to the public.

Process, as seen in the comments above is different for all creative people. For me it is a a complete set of actions and a method of creating prior to development of a sculpture. What ever the process for me is, it is ever changing as the work develops. The originating thought, dream, sketch or discussion of the work, it develops over time.
For others it is an event and can be instantly converted into art. How ever we work we need to have our privacy and avoid the static found in today's world. There is the possibility of too much information and communication for true creativity.

[Lisa]

Gil, Thank you for such a lovely compliment and for continuing to share your thoughts on process. You have made my day... in fact, you may have "made my week." L~

[The Dan Ward]

The "business process management" crowd has sort of hijacked the word "process" and turned it into something I find quite distasteful - and something altogether different than the interesting, beautiful and creative sense in which you're using the word.

But since I live & work in a more industrial environment, I tend to avoid using the word process, because in my context and environment, it is so loaded. In my search for a substitute, I've settled on "journey," as in "the journey of design" (instead of the more common "design process").

Process and journey are similar. A process it a series of steps. A journey is also a series of steps. The difference is that a journey is not done in a tightly controlled environment and is different each time, even if we continue to arrive at the same eventual destination (i.e. produce a piece of art, etc). But I think journey is more organic. It is something you undertake and design yourself, it has connotations of exploration, movement and initiative. A process, at least in my context, tends to be handed to you from on high, with a focus on repeatability and standardization.

But when I say journey, I mean much the same thing you seemed to say about process. The process you described sounds to me a lot like craft, mastery, mental focus / awareness / mindfulness of how we create things. It's about discovering your own "best practices" and not just imitating the "best practices" of others. That's the good kind of process...

[dave gilly gilstein]

I like talking about creative process, but It is really something I feel. It's a physical transformation. The process is what I get hooked on. The process is the drug of creativity.
It's like starting up my car on a cold morning. It's an effort at first. It sounds rough and it feels slow, with a few stops and starts again. Finally we are on our way and little by little the heat kicks in and I'm feeling more comfortable. Once I hit cruising speed, turn off the phone, and turn up the music. I am IN THE ZONE. The hair is up on the back of my neck and I'm 10 miles over the speed limit. I feel like every move I make is the right one and I don't remember how I got from point A to point B. I am truly IN THE MOMENT. It's the best feeling. But...It can also go away just as quickly. Any red light, bump in the road or someone cutting me off -stops the process. You doubt every move you make and slow way down. If your lucky, you get to start it all up again. It's great to finally get to your destination, but if it was a great ride to get there, well thats the way to go!

[Mark Randal Kilburn]

Process, Rythym, groove.
Journey...I do like .. I like Journey. Flow is another way to describe it
Like the old school JKD people used to say.

"CAN YOU FLOW?" "

"YEAH MAN, MOST OF THE TIME!"

[David Black]

Dear Lisa,

Thanks for writing Considering Process! Many designers, artists, writers and actors
believe that if they talk about process they will lose the magic of what they are doing.
A few years ago I saw an actress portray an angry bag lady in a play. Afterwards when I asked her how she was able to get so angry on the stage she said, "David, I only discuss those things with my therapist!"

I believe as you and Gilbert Boro do that understanding process is an essential part of being an artist. When you write that you have never been able to “embrace it” you are acknowledging its importance. Your thought that two of your talents, design and writing, each make use of a different process already shows an understanding of the subject.

As a self taught artist when I began painting I had no idea what I was doing or why I was doing it. It was only when I began talking about process with other artists that I began to develop ideas about my own creative core. Sharing thoughts about the creative process is the best way to make this happen just as you have done with your writing.

My own process centers around a never ending search for ways to let things happen. This means not having any expectations about how a painting will turn out. In the end whatever process we use it should be forgotten while we are doing it. As Martha Graham said, “Once you leap into the air there should only be the feeling of enjoyment. If you start thinking of the position your leg should be in when you land, you will end up breaking your foot.”

David Black

[Mark Randall Kilburn]

I have been in situations where I was at a loss for creative inspiration and I then engaged in a lot of mental gymnastics to compensate for this lack of flow. Now,
I refuse to make art just to satisfy a quota, be it mine or anyone else's.
Quantity or Quality???? I am not a production facility and I have always said I do not want to make TWO of anything.
So, now, I focus on quality of design and construction. Because at the opening of a show, under the very bright gallery lights THERE ARE NO EXCUSES!!

[Lisa]

Wow... Well said Mark!