Many people have asked how I’ve been doing my recent collages, and I’m taking a (somewhat perverse) delight in refusing to tell them. “Please, do a process video!” No, I will not!
For one thing, the explanation is right there in the hashtag — #tapeandmagazines — but it also just feels good, as someone who shares what feels like a lot of my process, to keep a little bit to myself, especially because this work is so new and I’m still figuring it out.
Yes, I wrote a book called Show Your Work!, but nowhere in that book did I say you have to give away all your secrets. You get to decide what to share. (As William Bell sang, “Share what you got, but keep what you need.”)
Earlier this year, I wrote in a post, “Don’t ask,”
Next time you come across someone’s work and you’re not sure exactly how they do it, don’t ask them how it’s done. Don’t go after the “right answer” like some eager honors student. Look closer. Listen harder. Then use your imagination and experiment with the tools you have. Your bad approximation will lead to something of your own.
The flip side for me: Resist the urge to share it all. Drop a few hints, but keep a little mystery in there. At least for a little bit. It’s more fun.