Trickster Curiosity

Tricksters are characters of duality found in myths and stories globally. They are both disruptors and organizers. They morph the social and natural order, playfully disrupting normal life and then reimagining it as something new and fresh. The trickster questions everything. We all have a bit of trickster energy inside us and as a creative I will share how I use my trickster to make better art.

I have recently participated in some art panels and interviews on creativity and inspiration. How you approach your creative practice is very personal and I have my usual patterns and practices as well. But here is the big exception, chaos can lead to simplicity and turning things upside down leads to new ideas. Having a rhythm and a plan for how you approach your creative process is a great way to stay productive. When you want to break through boundaries, invite the trickster in to play in your studio. Chaos may reign for a time, but a new door will open and show you a wildly imaginative different picture.

Trickster energy revels in the tearing down of the usual order of things and invites you to loosen up, to lighten up and to enjoy the playfulness without judgement. Trickster wears a cloak of curiosity and loves to push boundaries. I have always followed the path of what would happen if I just did this.

I will share my formula for embracing curiosity and trickster energy. Be warned that you will get pushback from your dominant self, but we are going to trick it into playing. The photo used for this blog was created using the ideas above! 

You are working on a new painting and moving along with your ideas for it. It is progressing but maybe it feels predictable. You are using your favorite palette of colors, shape of canvas or usual composition. Invite trickster in for the session. Set up a separate piece of paper for the trickster to paint on. Just use a “throw-away” paper or canvas. Detach from the perfection of it.

When you have some leftover paint on your brush or palette, rather than washing it all off, go apply it to your paper. When you have some extra gels or pastes use a knife to spread it on another area of the paper. Clean off your used stencil onto the paper. Keep this paper around through several painting sessions and you will discover a richness and looseness to the piece. You have detached from the outcome. I will often discover unexpected new color combinations, unusual ways to layer gels, pastes and mediums and accidental marks.

Maintain the mindset that this is just a play piece, no attachments. When you see some areas that you love, begin to develop those. I call this the accidental masterpiece. They won’t all turn out brilliantly, but you will discover a looseness and a sense of playfulness in the piece that can open up new ideas for you.

Another suggestion is to use a large piece of paper for this and then cut up areas of interest and finish that as a painting. You may cut it up blindly from the backside or use a viewfinder to isolate areas you like. I do this in my Scribble to Structure class. It is a great way to trick yourself into expanding on your style by breaking down your usual methods. Invite the trickster in to paint with you and let your curiosity illuminate the playful side of your art.