The Birth of an Artist

Where does artistry begin? Did it ever? Do all children who are given a box of crayons enjoy using them? Do we continue any action for long without encouragement?

Impressions must lead to expressions. It is like breathing, in and out. All human beings who are physically able to, make sounds, and use their bodies to convey emotions, except perhaps those who are overcome by true apathy. Isn't it strange to limit our ways of expressing ourselves to words, when there are such amazing channels as painting, sculpturing, music-making, and dancing about?
It is likely that creativity and artistry is inherit in all of us - as a potential anyway. Our children spend a lot of time learning how to speak and write, but fewer spend any serious time, seriously learning how to paint (for example).... and only those who do, ever realize the full wealth of a new "language" - a new means of expression, interaction, and if one wishes - power. It is also, and entirely new way of thinking.

This painting (the last in this series of black and whites that I intend to post here) is like all my other work, a mystery to myself. As I initially watched it I saw white figures, or spirits moving about in the lower middle and right section. Seeing them I started to imagine a place where spirits (or souls) were created. Be it a hatchery or a factory, or something entirly mysterious, I don't know, but I ended up naming the piece “The Cradle of Souls”. Perhaps then, it is not where souls are made, but where they are raised and prepared for individuality. Maybe this is where the gift (or curse?) of artistry is bestowed? ; )



'The Cradle of Souls' - Acrylics on Canvas - 273 x 100 cm - Niklas J Brandow

I have ordered a new camera, to more simply and more efficiently make better reproductions of my artwork. When it arrives I will start shooting my new color work. Until then - paint something!
(You can click the images for a larger display...)

Worlds collide, and I sign paintings

I have just framed, signed, and titled three paintings for a juried exhibition coming up soon, and hope to have at least one of them accepted for the exhibition. I took some photos as well, so in either case I will display them here eventually (must get a better camera... ).

Framing and signing paintings is not very rewarding, nor can it be classified as very important work. Of course, the impression of the artwork is greatly improved by the frames, and if watching art has any value at all, I dare say it has now been increased.

Producing art is a truly weird thing, and I suspect most artist regularly question the value and meaning of it. The thing is that once the basic needs have been taken care of we are supposed to aim for things like creativity, fulfillment etc - at least according to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs.
I believe that's the problem for most people. The invisibility of inner growth, and inner fulfillment simply can't be displayed or measured very well. If we build a sun porch, or add an extra floor to our house, the achievement is clearly visible to all. And if we eat more expensive food, wear more expensive clothes and so on, we also experience a verifiable change. The thing is, we are then only expanding the basic needs.


Worlds Collide - Acrylics on Canvas - 55 x 38 cm - Niklas J Brandow

Inner transformation, happiness, love, harmony, and similar aims are not achieved as easily, and should we attain them, our neighbors will not see them (as clearly). An uncertain path, with an uncertain destination, await those who wish to climb further up Maslow's pyramid.
So, does adding paint to a canvas really lead anywhere? There are real problems out there in the world, and you stand here smearing paint? Get a job! Inner and outer worlds - don't they all collide?

One Man's Dance

Here is another black and white painting from 2009. I see a man dancing. No, he's not dancing yet. He is standing in the middle of a storm, throwing him here and there to its chaotic rythms. Then, perhaps, he gives in and stops fighting the winds of the four directions. Thus he dances at last, harmonious amongst the high energy forms, now unable to harm him. He has become the storm at last. Yes, he really is dancing.

Or, it could simply be some strokes of acrylics...

'One Man's Dance' - Acrylics on canvas - 65 x 81 cm - Niklas J Brandow (Sold)

A New Bloggish Dawn

From now on this will be the prime online presence of my paintings and other fine art projects. The old site www.brandow.se will stay up for quite some time to come, but this is the blog to bookmark if you wish to keep updated on my present and future art activities.

To get this blog rolling, I thought I'd post some paintings from a black and white series in acrylics, which I made a few years back. Some of these have been on display on a couple of locations in Denmark, at Kristenehamn Art Museum, Sweden, and in my home. Let's begin with a painting I call 'Entering as Two'.

'Entering as Two' - Acrylics on Canvas - 46 x 38 cm - Niklas J Brandow

As always, you shouldn't care much about my titles, which merely reflect my personal initial reaction to a piece, yet looking at this one I saw a couple coming together into (or leaving) a cave of some importance. Perhaps it is about personal development, or inner transformation, achieved through relationship, benefiting both parties.

I'll post some more of these black and whites, while I let my new (colorful) paintings hang for a while. If they hold up, you should see a couple of them here in a few weeks. Welcome!

(I appreciate all help to get some audience over this way in the initial stages. If you enjoy what you see you can like or tweet, below. Thanks!)