Banner Sponsors

clare14 Jan 19, 2007

This is something I've been pondering on for some time, so I thought I'd ask your opinions......

I don't really have 'a style' of bear as such - I love to create old looking bears (probably my favourite!!), miniatures, primitive/homespun and contemporary etc etc   

I found Paula's 'Why?' thread really interesting as I do indeed like to push the boundaries with my creativity (sometimes with hilarious results!!) -  but I love to try new things.  My question is, do you think I should??   Or should I stick to a particular style which so many collectors look for to identify an artist, and I know many artists have?   

I hope you understand what I mean, and if you do, I'd love to hear what you think!!   :hug:  :hug:

puca bears Jan 19, 2007

Hi clare
just a quickie, as I HAVE to go to bed!! Go for it, follow where the whimsy leads, experiment and  enjoy the process - somehow (the bear magic bit) your style WILL evolve...and then you'll end up trying something new, and whatever you DO it will come out as one of "YOUR" bears!!! I really think that something happens between you and the materials...and who knows - maybe a "bear spirit"???
Whatever - the main thing is to have FUN..
enough - goodnight, before I drop!
huggies
Maria

Shelli Retired Help Advisor, Banner SponsorJan 19, 2007

Clare...

I think you'll KNOW when you've "found your muse."  I found mine in bearmaking after about 20 bears.  I found mind in dollmaking before I even sculpted my first head.  After several years, I'm still looking for mine in beadmaking.

It sounds to me like you're still looking since you're also still wandering across stylings.  That's not a bad thing!

My suggestion would be that you not lock yourself into any one "style" until it feels like an absolutely perfect fit, and exactly what you've been looking for.

Whatever your style on a given piece, your work is always attractive and eye pleasing for sure.  Don't doubt it for a moment!

karenaus Jan 19, 2007

YES! yes and yes!   Pushing yourself to try something new can help you in your 'old' stuff as well I think... and you can still do new things while still keeping your own touch too..... if you want to of course!
    People who collect your work might also enjoy it too, after all it's nice to have variety in a collection.
     I find it's almost impossible to do even new stuff without it still looking like 'mine':)

Daphne Jan 19, 2007

Do what ever you are going to have fun and enjoy doing! You didn't start making bears to get bored or loose interest did you? You didn't start making them only to have your imagination stiffled either, right?

So create away my dear! Go play, experiment, have fun! Sometimes I think our studios/sewing rooms should be called "labs" with some of the experimenting that goes on!

New Avenue Crew Jan 19, 2007

I think experimentation is great! Perhaps that's exactly what you want to be known for. I have enjoyed seeing your raggedy-bear combos, especially the one with the small mohair bear; your post describes him this way:

Teddy is made from nice almost no hair mohair, and he's weighted and all floppy.

I need to take a cue from you and experiment more, be less afraid to even change the settings on my sewing machine to sew something other than fur...

Aleta - The Silly Bear Jan 20, 2007

Dearest Clare, 
What is your heart telling you?  What I see is a person still evolving.  The primitive style seems to suit you.  It will all come together as it should.....in time.  Embrace and enjoy the process!

Warmest bear hugs,  :hug:
Aleta

JAC-Q-LYN Jan 20, 2007

Hi Clare

I think sometimes you have to try new things to see if they work for you or not, whatever you do your own style will always shine through.  I like to think variety is the spice of life, and its nice to experiment perhaps with new fabrics or new techniques.  Do whatever you feel you want to do, because if you are happy with what you are creating then you will more likely be more successful.  Sorry if I am talking a load of rubbish, off to bed now as I am starting to ramble, hope this makes sense.

Hugs
Jacqui

Carolyn Green Jan 20, 2007

Hi Clare,

I always admire your lovely old looking bears and I think keep making them, but also if you feel like trying something new -go for it!

Whatever style you make enjoy what you love doing, as your creativity will shine through!

Hugs
Carolyn

Laurie Jan 20, 2007

I have been making bears for just two years now and the first style that I have stuck with is my avatar bear.I just knew that I would like to carry on with this style as soon as I made the first one.I now like making the traditional bears and had a style for that but have recently tweaked it .I think you should just do what you are happy doing.There has to be fun in making bears and if you don't enjoy it because you are not doing what you want to it will show in how your bears turn out.I am happy doing my two styles of bears at the moment but I wouldn't rule out constantly tweaking my patterns or trying something different.Just go with the flow and do whatever inspires you at the time.
Laurie :hug:

Pumpkin & Pickle Bears Jan 20, 2007

Yes, I think experimenting and coming up with wild and wacky designs is always fun! But please, please, PLEASE don't ever give up making your traditinal teds - I just love them sooooo much! And that goes for your Annie & Teddy series too - they're superb!

All Bear Jan 20, 2007

Style is such a subjective thing.  I'm with Aleta on this one, you have to follow your instincts and be true to yourself.  There are always avenues to explore further, without the need to subject yourself to embrace current trends for example ... unless those trends really appeal to you to learn more about, of course!

I also believe that it is possible to create an identity for your work, which remains consistent, whatever style of bear/doll you design. 

The most important thing of all is to remain inspired and enthusiastic, whatever direction you take.

clare14 Jan 20, 2007

Thank you so very much for your responses   :hug:  :hug:   You have helped loads!!   

It's not so much that I want a style as such, I'm wondering more about the 'so many different' things I create being a problem.   I don't think people identify me with a certain style which maybe the reason I don't get collectors wanting to say join a mailing list etc.....but I just don't think I could just make one type all the time, like say my homespun bears which have been surprisingly popular.   I guess the thing is with me I don't WANT to specialise in one particular area, but I guess I won't gain a style identity by doing that....oooh I'm rambling now, it's so hard to put into words!!   

I guess I'm just destined to be a maker of 'allsorts'   :crackup:  :crackup:

Jodi Falk Jan 20, 2007

Push it !! Be creative... you have a very wonderful and exciteing style ... I say GOOOOOOOOOOOOO for it !!!!

sarahjane Jan 20, 2007

Clare I think you should go wherever the whim takes you...you will find your collectors and perhaps you will end up being 'known' for  a few different 'lines' or types of bears...but go for it and have fun I say!!!

Tami E Jan 22, 2007

I have been making bears for a very long time and feel that I have developed a somewhat recognizable style with my roly poly cubs, but I still enjoy making the occasional classic- look bear, or even vintage distressed types. Bears I make in this style still look like mine, I think. While is is nice to have a recognizable style, why limit yourself? Follow your heart!

kim Feb 9, 2007

i think everything you do is great and your charm is you can adapt to different styles and that makes you intersting!
i dont as a rule collect artist bears i only have four and one of those is tom x
almost suused the piccie thing out!! pics may be a little too small now!!
take care, sure we'll chat soon xkimx