BLOG #1

 

My new occupation is acrylic painting on canvas! I have had a bucket of paints and blank canvases sitting in my closet for far too long. I am really looking forward to developing this skill because as you can see, there is good amount of room for improvement. For my first project, I decided to paint a maple leaf to symbolize the beginning of my most favorite season, autumn. I found a step by step tutorial on youtube and made it about half way through this design process. I plan to have my maple leaf painting completely finished for the next blog post. So far I have learned that painting requires time and patience. I originally estimated that this maple leaf would take about 30 minutes to complete. I soon discovered that painting the background, waiting for that to dry, and then sketching the leaf outline took up that entire 30 minutes alone. I can confirm that this occupation has already taught me to enjoy the process, even if it takes longer than expected. 

The concepts of space presented in Delaisse, Huot, and Veronis impacted the perception I formed while painting. The concept of "placemaking" was described in the reading as transforming a neutral space into a meaningful place through occupation. I chose to paint on the coffee table while sitting in my living room. This is a space that already feels comfortable to me due to all of the positive memories associated with the area like relaxing with my family, taking a nap, and watching funny movies. If I continue to paint in the living room, I will most likely think of this room as a space that allows me to experience creativity. Lefebvre's explanation of space includes mental, physical, and social components. As painting becomes a more familiar occupation through repetition, I predict that this space will become a safe place for my mind and worries to rest. As a result, my physical self will be able to focus on simply moving the paintbrush. This is an occupation that I may integrate socially, if my husband or friends become interested in painting with me. If this is the case, I might view the space in a much more entertaining or fun way. I may reminisce on these memories of painting while picturing myself in this special place.

Hasselkus' view on place as a container of experiences brings to mind my own memories connected to painting. My mother is an incredible artist who has created countless works of art. I recall moments where I would watch as she painted on her canvases. I noticed from a young age that her paint room was a place that she could go to escape all of the craziness that my siblings and I created. As I painted my maple leaf I felt that I was able to experience just a glimpse of what my mother feels when she paints. It was grounding to feel that peace and creativity while feeling a little more connected to my mom. 

Comments

  1. Jordon DilworthSeptember 14, 2023 at 7:54 PM

    Kirsta, you're leaf looks so good for being a beginner. I like how you mentioned that your painting space is already a space that you feel comfortable with, but that your hope is to gain more of a creativity experience within your space. I truly love how you relate to painting from your childhood memories; I strongly believe these kind of memories are what help shape us. I hope that you gain the love for painting such as your mother has, allowing your bond to become even stronger. I can not wait to see your leaf all finished and to hear what you ended up doing with the painting!!!

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    1. Krista MontierthSeptember 16, 2023 at 7:01 PM

      Thank you Jordon! I would definitely have to agree with you that our childhood memories shape us, for better or for worse. As children we are like little sponges, soaking up any behaviors that our parents display. I am grateful that my mom has always been such a great example by pursuing her own occupations and passions in life.

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  2. Krista MontierthSeptember 16, 2023 at 6:53 PM

    Thanks Rieta! Your comment made me feel both encouraged and supported in this new occupation. To answer your question, I do think people play an important role in creating places. I believe this goes along with the idea that as long as we are in the company of those that we care about, we are content with staying in an unfamiliar space and making it into a "place." It makes me think about the struggles people face when they move away from their hometown maybe due to starting at a new school or job. The transition can be difficult, but the types of people that surround us during these times can have a huge influence on whether we feel supported or alone in the change.

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