Making art that is original | How I think about originality in my art

If the barrage of “How to Paint Studio Ghibli” in my feed is any indication, originality is in scarce supply.

Thank you for making this video! It feels like you have given words to something I've been feeling. When I was in college and my 20s I really tried forcing that original "leave your mark on the world" kind of work but it never felt right. During the pandemic I just stopped caring about how anyone else saw my work and the things I made the things I wanted which was just the humble subjects and scenes from my life. Lately I've felt insecure about this approach to making art like I've become a hobbyist or too self indulgent . I appreciate your video because intimacy is a better way to think about my work and a great word to describe it when presenting it to an audience. I also really love Nicolas Uribe's work!
I love your work and your channel. Thank you for this bit of inspiration this morning!

Great observation. My art teacher at Cornell, Gillian Pederson-Krag, changed my artist life. Her words of advice: "Paint what you know; paint what you love." I think a variation on your theme. I enjoy your musings and art very much. Thank you.

I used to be burdened with this as well. I made sure I only used images I completely made up but found over time when I used references my work improved drastically. While I enjoy using references and feel concerned about creating original work I focus more on the differences I can bring while still honoring the original reference. Since I paint mainly landscape I like to use my own photographs as the reference as well even if it a scene previously painted, sketched or photographed. Each of us has our own unique vision and that’s what I like to focus on. Great discussion point.

Can you link or tell where I can find Nicholas art?

I totally agree. My thinking is an artist’s own style is already achieving originality without trying to force it. Thanks for your thoughts and videos!

Very thoughtful and encouraging words. Thank you for sharing 🫶🏼

Such powerful words you said. The topic always has been on the back of my my mind, but you just opened my eyes and took so much weight of my shoulders. Thank you!

Painting is kind of like a signature. Even if someone paints in a certain style it’s still unique to them unless they’re really spending time trying to copy a style exactly it will still be original. And yes like you said you’re painting things in your own life which means something to you and this is some much more powerful then when you can tell someone is painting something that will sell and they don’t enjoy the process or the subject necessarily.

“There is nothing new under the sun.”