Art Discussion - Abstract Language
words to image
Words and physical gestures are how most people communicate their thoughts. We as a social construct use the written word, a spoken language and bodily gesture to share our ideas and thoughts with each other.
Creative thinkers, have devised another way. We use images, shape and colour to translate once intangible constructs into a channel of communication.
Have you ever felt as if you didn’t have the right words to describe how you felt about something? That the words you could use were just not enough to translate your thoughts to others? This is where an Abstract Language could be useful.
As budding Artists, the opportunity to use shape, colour and line to translate our feelings provide us with tools to better articulate ourselves. Every person has a different translation to specific colours and shapes.
As Artists, we use this understanding to manipulate our viewer into interpreting our Artwork as we desire.
By understanding this Abstract Language, we can make our thoughts clearer and so receive the response we desire.
Artist: Saabira Razac. Jilty Jolt. Cc 2019
Artist: Saabira Razac. Line Drawing III. Cc 2020
An Abstract Language
In order to fully understand this idea, we must return to the most primitive tool of Art making, A Line. A single Line holds a lot of subjective information. The stability of your hands, the material you make your mark with and even the surface you mark all play a very important part in how your Art is interpreted.
Some Artist will use this idea as the foundation of their work. Some may use a tightly sharpened pencil to make hard edged, smooth lines, other may use a fatten dulled nib to create soft, textured lines.
This is the first level of ownership to your Artwork. No matter what the material or surface, the Artist will always return to their own personal style of line.
Pro Tip:
“… I am a lover of the smooth meandering line. Be it with a stick of charcoal, a paint brush or a pixel mark, I just love the smooth flow of a curvaceous line. I think it makes me feel relaxed. A mark that expands from my elbow to my wrist and on to the tips of my fingers, translate a sense of gratitude and elegance.
I want my work to be smooth, gentle and neat. I want my lines to add beauty and elegance to by bodies and even my abstract drawings…”
Personal device for communication
Creating a personal device for communication can help in clarifying your creative ideas to others. Think about the type of Art you are most attracted to.
Are you interested in artworks that are neat, smooth and minimalist in nature? Or are your favourites expressive, random and a bit on the messier side?
These styles of Art can help you realise the type of lines you may use to best express yourself. Allow your interests to shape the type of line unique to your work.
Pro Tip:
“… My favourite paintings are those filled with attitude and emotion. I like Art that isn’t afraid to say what they mean. For me, this freedom of expression is something I want to advocate in my own work. I want my drawings and designs to not apologise for their presence.
I appreciate others who share their thoughts free from judgement and I try to in still the same in my own. I use my smooth weaving lines as a means to say yes I am here and this is what I look like…”
Artist: Wassily Kandinsky. Composition VIII. Cc 1923
Artist: Wassily Kandinsky. Several Circles. Cc 1926
Linking Language
In order for others to understand our own Abstract language, we should ground our ideas with something relatable. Using emotive linking language can help others to understand what you are trying to say with your Art.
Many Artists attempt to capture their emotive ideas with elaborative language. This can take the shape of adjectives, poems, memory or even literature.
Think about other forms of expression that might capture a sliver of what you are attempting to say with your own Art.
Use this as your springboard for creature iconography in shape and line to populate your own abstract language. This may seem daunting, but you are probably doing it subconsciously already.
Pro Tip:
“…I am always inspired my memory. I use relatable situations when I describe the mentality or thoughts behind the Art I create. I use descriptive words to flower my emotions. Relaying on my sense to tell a story.
To me, smell, taste and touch recall a lot of subconscious thought. I use adjectives to describe how something would feel if I were to visit that moment at that time. I then transfer my emotive thoughts from that past visit into a drawing that amplify what my words lack…”
Looking ahead
As always, Thank you for taking time to visit my blog. I hope these discussions shed some new light of aspects of your own Art that needed tending.
If you enjoyed this discussion, you can now join our Virtual Classroom for Digital Art 101.
Wishing you all the best in your own Artistic Endeavours and as always Happy Drawing!