Mikael Watkins

Progress

I strongly believe that every piece should be stronger than my last in multiple elements of a piece. These elements consist of, but in no means are limited to; composition, symbolism, intent, color usage, complexity, etc. Ensuring that I build strength and knowledge in the use of the formal and contextual elements of my work. I tend to try and stretch a piece to the highest point of what I think my current abilities are. When the piece is done, I intensely analyse what could be better about it, and carry that on to the next piece. In doing so I’ve realized that, as an artist, if I can come up with it, I will find a way to do it. Meaning my abilities are only as limited as my creativity. This creates a path for becoming better with every piece I do, in terms of execution and content.

I usually like to think that there is no such thing as a finished piece in my portfolio. I halt my process when the piece looks good enough to move onto the next one, or meets the expectation I held when I started it. However, I never declare anything finished. This is because I may look at it a month, a year, or even a decade later and have a new set of ideas that would make the piece even better.

To surpass my last piece in quality; aesthetic; context; and form, I require a very specific mindset and environment. To conduct the feelings and emotion I inted unto the pieces viewers, I myself have to be in that mindset when creating it. To achieve this, I will invest myself in a deep meditation, alongside some of my most powerfully sacred music. I’ve found that when I push or search too hard for a composition, it is harder to find. So as I meditate with the intent of starting a piece, if it is meant to be, ideas will flow into my head and infront my shut eyes. If it is not meant to be, I give it a break and start fresh some time later. I’ve found I am never near satisfied with a piece when I force myself to work, because I don’t feel the flow. And what usually results if I struggle to retain inspiration, is that when I try again the next day, or whenever it may be, I end up coming up with a piece I like so much that I am thankful I couldn’t come up with one in the past. I usually have a gut feeling as to if I am on the right path or not, and if I don’t have this gut feeling, then I try not to push it.