When we first had the idea for this project, we spoke about it vaguely and with great excitement. Imagine
sharing ideas and creating a body of work together. A unified partnership of creative energy! It would
wonderfully inspiring and fun! But when a date was finally set and it was time to start painting, we
discovered that our idea posed a greater challenge than we expected. Our first “meeting” began with the
question “What is your vision?” and nearly ended with “Are we talking about art or about us?” From color
scheme to subject matter, we both wanted to agree but also each had entirely different opinions and
approaches. That should not have surprised us, given that we are incredibly different artists with unique
styles of working. And yet somehow we expected it to be simpler.
“It’s not about making the other do what we want…it’s a freeing experience. Having to let go.” This early
statement by Britt ended up becoming a constant reminder as we relinquished control of our pieces. On
Day One we established a single rule: The 2nd person must use the 1st person’s idea…both must show
through equally in the finished piece. Months later sitting at the kitchen table, our hurting egos finally
realized that we had each interpreted that statement rather differently. For one of us, the rule related to the
actual paint showing through. For the other, the rule implied the overall composition and color scheme.
We laughed and exclaimed, “Oh! This is what you were thinking? Well, this is what I was thinking…”
Finally we could relax a little and find enjoyment in the painting experience.
We had thought we would work together more. Painting in the same room at the same time and sharing
ideas, rather than working individually on each other’s paintings as separate experiences. We also
expected that inspiration would come naturally for each painting. But four paintings finished out of the eight
that were exchanged suggests otherwise. Still we take comfort in how we will do this project differently next
time. And yes, there will most certainly be a next time.
Ultimately we learned a lot about listening and communication. The challenge of working outside our
individual comfort zones forced us to explore new layers of our talents. Eventually we each found
inspiration as well as appreciation for each other’s artistic language. It was not about achieving perfection
but instead about exploring another aspect of our lives together. In the end, we were able to set aside our
egos and find ways to encourage and support each other.
sharing ideas and creating a body of work together. A unified partnership of creative energy! It would
wonderfully inspiring and fun! But when a date was finally set and it was time to start painting, we
discovered that our idea posed a greater challenge than we expected. Our first “meeting” began with the
question “What is your vision?” and nearly ended with “Are we talking about art or about us?” From color
scheme to subject matter, we both wanted to agree but also each had entirely different opinions and
approaches. That should not have surprised us, given that we are incredibly different artists with unique
styles of working. And yet somehow we expected it to be simpler.
“It’s not about making the other do what we want…it’s a freeing experience. Having to let go.” This early
statement by Britt ended up becoming a constant reminder as we relinquished control of our pieces. On
Day One we established a single rule: The 2nd person must use the 1st person’s idea…both must show
through equally in the finished piece. Months later sitting at the kitchen table, our hurting egos finally
realized that we had each interpreted that statement rather differently. For one of us, the rule related to the
actual paint showing through. For the other, the rule implied the overall composition and color scheme.
We laughed and exclaimed, “Oh! This is what you were thinking? Well, this is what I was thinking…”
Finally we could relax a little and find enjoyment in the painting experience.
We had thought we would work together more. Painting in the same room at the same time and sharing
ideas, rather than working individually on each other’s paintings as separate experiences. We also
expected that inspiration would come naturally for each painting. But four paintings finished out of the eight
that were exchanged suggests otherwise. Still we take comfort in how we will do this project differently next
time. And yes, there will most certainly be a next time.
Ultimately we learned a lot about listening and communication. The challenge of working outside our
individual comfort zones forced us to explore new layers of our talents. Eventually we each found
inspiration as well as appreciation for each other’s artistic language. It was not about achieving perfection
but instead about exploring another aspect of our lives together. In the end, we were able to set aside our
egos and find ways to encourage and support each other.
| “LAYERS OF ILLUMINATION” Acrylic paintings by Britt Elliott and Amy Kinney |
* This summary is just one reflection of a shared artistic experience. Originally intended to be a collective
journal, it ended up falling into the hands of one to be written the night before hanging, for no other reason
than hectic lives and last minute time management...
Amy: Do you trust me to write the whole summary?
Britt: Yes. I may not agree with all of it but I trust you.
by Amy Kinney