It’s honestly embarrassing that 2 months ago I was saying that diving back into 3D software was THE ANSWER to my feeling of stuckness. In all that time I haven’t touched the software once because I haven’t had a single idea.

I’m still lost and feeling resistance toward making any projection art.

We all learn as we go along, so there’s no real reason to feel embarrassed, however it’s uncomfortable to continue sharing my grand epiphanies that turn out to be anything but. I have a hard time telling the difference between “ooh something shiny” enthusiasm and enthusiasm that will develop into a long-lasting interest or a viable business idea. The only way to figure it out is to let time pass.

I keep comparing projection to my digital collage work, even though it’s not at all the same, because that was the last time I felt ease creating art despite all of the less than fun parts.

Looking all the way back to 24 years ago, I remember very specifically that one of the reasons I started down the path of making collages and doing art fairs was because being a graphic designer meant I would be sitting in front of a computer for 40 hours a week. I didn’t think I could handle that, so I chose a path that was better suited to how I operate, despite it being more challenging.

:::cue the revelation:::

In my enthusiasm to try projection mapping, I completely overlooked that creating a video or animation for projection is nothing but sitting in front of my laptop, day in and day out. No wonder all I want to do is go for a hike.

Serendipitously when I returned from Digital Graffiti, I stumbled upon a post on Pinterest about feeling lost that included these two questions:

If no one could see my life, would I still choose this path?

What do I want when I stop looking at everyone else?

The first question is easy, I would still choose to be an artist if no one could see my life. I love it even when I hate it.

Digging deeper into that question…would I choose projection as my path?

In order to answer that, I first needed to answer a version of the second question.

When I stop looking at the projection work of other artists, do I want to keep making projections?

Yes…but I don’t feel inspired to make the popular styles of projection mapping. I really enjoy activating murals or projecting on natural elements like trees. Once in a while I feel moved to make a statement piece, like “Occupied.” Unfortunately, those types of projection don’t align with very many opportunities.

So…do I want to give up projection art? Definitely not. I want to keep practicing and trying different things. Similar to photography and graphic design, projection is a skill I can utilize if the right opportunity comes along.

What do I want, then, when I stop looking at everyone else?

For that answer, I needed to look no further than Jerry.

I made the Jerry costume simply because I love light and making things. I thought it would be fun, and it was. It aligned perfectly with my enthusiasm for problem-solving and researching techniques and materials. It was complicated, but I was excited to work on it every day.

I’m not going to make any colossal declarations about light art being THE THING THAT SOLVES MY STUCKNESS. I will share some broad details, though!

WHAT I’M WORKING ON NOW

I’m in the process of testing feasibility of two projects: a light installation and small illuminated artwork.

For the installation, my goal is to submit to the Portland Winter Light Festival (February) or the Napa Lighted Art Festival (January–February). Napa is entirely outdoors, whereas Portland is both indoors and outdoors. I don’t know which I’ll be applying to until I know if what I’m making can be fully weatherproof. Submissions are open until the end of August for Portland and the beginning of September for Napa, so I have time to get things figured out.

As far as the small illuminated artwork, it integrates my appreciation of nature, fiber arts, and light. The pieces would be available for sale either through my website or through Etsy. I’m incredibly excited about the idea, but the process has been slow going as there are a lot of variables to consider.

I’ll have a lot more to report in a few weeks!

As always, thank you so much for being here, and until the next newsletter, be well!
Giesla

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