When watching Hillman Curtis’ Artist Series I connected with how the artists explained their since of intuition in their art. Paula Scher described her creative process as not much of a process at all. When inspiration hits she will take one or two tries for the idea and that will be it. She says that she’s “never been a refiner.” I identify with that sense of momentum (but most of the time to my detriment). I often find myself fighting for my first instincts until I get them out and then I move on. Rarely editing, rarely creating variations, or exploring other options. I hit the note and I am satisfied. Paula explains that these ideas can come in a second. But it is a second that is informed by years of experience.
It’s done in a second and thirty four years. You know! It’s done in a second and every experience and every movie and everything of my life that’s in my head!
Lawrence Weiner also brings type to life, like Paula Scher, but his approach to design seems much more cerebral. His use of type is not illustrated like Paula, but the words, their positioning, and their color tell just as strong of a story. He explains that as an artist, “[y]ou’ve got to be who you are… art is of the moment, design is of the moment.” Both of these proclamations from these two inspiring artists are words I feel that I could have said myself. They are words that resonate with me and my creative process. It’s good to feel like I’m not crazy.