Every single time someone suggested that my pieces would fit in a genre, I found myself trying my hardest to make more pieces in that style. I suppose I was just trying to make sure that I deserved a place in their clique. Here's the thing though, I am not good with cliques, never have been. So eventually I always give up trying to fit in and go back to making whatever pleases me.A couple of months ago whilst googling myself as I'm wont to do on occasion, I found someone on a steam punk board talking about my jewelry. I have always liked the steam punk movement, particularly as it is depicted in many anime movies, though I hadn't actually intended my jewelry to be steam punk fashion. After reading the comment, I got all excited and almost immediately began a search for gears and watch bits to add to my pieces to make them even more steam punk. Then I came to my senses again.
Look, I love that people who like my pieces come from all kinds of different style bases, but I am so finished with trying to fit in with any one of them. Sure, I'll make a piece with an obvious vibe every once in a while, but the truth is, I like too many genres myself to ever pick just one to fit into. When I was in my first street team, it had a Gothic focus and I would actually feel weird about about making a piece that wasn't in black. If I had continued to feel that way, I would have never made my scarves, and you know how I feel about my scarves. I'm glad to have joined the Steam Team, because they are wonderful people and I'm glad to have new folks who like my pieces to work with and offer support.
In the end, my style is my style. It is not defined by anyone else and though it's likely to change as I grow as an artisan, it will no doubt still feel the same to me.
I love this, glad to know I'm not the only one in this boat. I've often wondered "should I narrow my focus, find a niche, develop a style?" But no, I like my modern pieces just as much as my kitschy pieces which I also like to make just as much as my vintage inspired pieces. After reading this, I definately don't want to pigeonhole myself! Thanks Mel.
ReplyDeleteAmen, sista! I've found myself falling into that same cycle.
ReplyDeleteI feel like you are writing my own thoughts sometimes...
ReplyDeleteI sometimes try to alter my style to be more or less whatever, but it never really works. You are what you are.
ReplyDeleteKeep doing what you're doing. I love your stuff strictly because it fits in with so many different styles.
ReplyDeleteI'm going the opposite direction, trying to mainstream and failing miserably. Ah well, viva la steampunk
This is so good. I find myself thinking of "To thine own self be true". You seem to have found that place and become comfortable with it.
ReplyDeleteThe fact that you have your own style and run with it is why your items stay awesome and unique.
ReplyDeleteI definitely know how you feel. Everybody wants to fit in somewhere--including me. The older I get the more I realize that it's more important (and ultimately leads to greater happiness) to be true to yourself, both as a person and an artist.
ReplyDelete