Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Chasing the Perfect Bear

In a recent discussion on The Guild of Master Bear Crafters forum, several artists mentioned a drive to create the "perfect bear" as a motivating factor in their work. Many also mentioned that this drive can be discouraging as well. I think it is interesting to see how many people express the need to make the ever elusive "perfect bear". In the Guild and elsewhere, I have read this same sentiment from bear artists over and over. It seems almost universal. It is as if there is a “Perfect Bear” jogging along ahead on the path, pausing now and then, but always darting out of reach again when one gets close. What a frustrating little bugger he is! This is a little strange to me, because while I can understand looking at one's work with a critical eye to see what can be improved upon, I don't think I have ever expected perfection- I only expect to do my best.

I saw this nugget of wisdom on the website of one of our guild members, Kelly Dean. “Always be happy with your work; never be satisfied."

It resonated with me because it is exactly how I feel. Each bear, or doll, or drawing, or painting that I call finished, makes me happy. If not, I would say it was not finished. There are things which do not get finished because I can see by where they are headed they are not going to make me happy--the basket of failed kitten parts in my studio from my recent foray into feline design is a case in point! Happiness isn’t complacency—my work is not stagnant. Even though I am happy with it at the time, my work does grow and improve. I think my best work today is better than my best work a few years ago. I'm sure any one of us who has been doing this ten years or more can look back at something we did ten (or even five) years ago and see growth. And the more you do something, the pickier you become. I have one of the first dolls that I sculpted hidden at the back of a shelf in my studio. There is so much wrong with her, I cringe when I see her today. But I am also amused, because I recall positively blushing with pride when I brought her home from the workshop to show my husband!

Another example of this is the portrait painting class I have been taking. After doing three paintings of the models who sit for the class, I painted a portrait of my son. I was so very happy with it. I felt like I had really captured a likeness of Brendan at age 5. When my instructor was critiquing it at the end, she said, “It is a very good painting for where you are now.” And “This will not be your best painting.” My mom, who was taking the class with me, wondered if I might take offense at these comments. I didn’t. I knew exactly what she meant. If I keep painting, I will get better. However, the knowledge that better paintings were in my future did not diminish the happiness I felt for the best painting I had done so far.

Perhaps it is all a matter of semantics. It really is the same thing, I suppose. Some artists are chasing “Perfect Bear” and I am chasing “My Best” and both are leading us on a path to improve our work. There is a difference though. Perfect Bear keeps right on running with barely a backward glance, but My Best stops every now and then to offer a congratulatory hug before he takes off down the path again!


12 comments:

Katy Cameron said...

Well I think your bear in that last pic is pretty darned perfect :o)

Tami Eveslage said...

Thank you, Katy! I picked that photo because he's hugging my son. He was from six years ago! Wish I could get more tipped alpaca like that...

Rachy said...

I agree, that bear has a charmingly, perfect face and a wonderful expression :)

Funny Squirrel said...

Your bear reminds me of A.I. Teddy bear, that is to say the most perfect bear. You have done a beautiful job.

Tami Eveslage said...

Thank you both! Do you mean A.I. Teddy from the movie A. I.? I love that bear! I'd love to have one like him!

Kays Kids said...

What a lovely post. I think we should all keep our 1st bear or doll to just remind us we have improved, and the journey is long.
The thought of improving with every bear, helps us keep on the journey.
HUgs

Joanne@ Desertmountainbear said...

This is such a beautiful well thought out post. I also noticed Kelly's little motto on TT. I thought he hit is right on the head.

melanie said...

I love your sentiments Tami and I couldn't agree more with your every word on this topic and written so lovely x x

Lori Fox said...

So glad I happened to read your blog post today. I wish I had a bit more of this in my life, but reading this has given me hope. Love Love Love your post! Thanks

Kayzy said...

I love your post also, Tami. You've expressed what I feel in a much better way than I could. Kelly's quote is wonderful. I still have my first bear - arms and legs at right angles to his body, but his face gave me a love for, and happiness in, bear making that persists today. Yes, strive to learn new skills and improve old ones, but just enjoy the journey.
Hugs, Kayzy

Tami Eveslage said...

Thank you all for taking the time to post such lovely comments!

All Bear by Paula said...

You sum it all up so well Tami and I love your Pollyanna outlook!