The Beauty of Cross-Pollination in My Art Practice

Currently in the studio workspace: featuring a vibrant pre-painting colored pencil sketch in progress (for Freedom Air), alongside three pastel paintings at various stages of completion (from left to right: Bola, Jay-Jay, and a kitty pet portrait), amidst an array of brushes, colored pencils, pan and pencil pastels.

As an artist, I often find myself working on several pieces simultaneously. At first glance, this might seem like a practical solution to logistical challenges like waiting for paint to dry, but for me, it’s so much more than that. This approach, which I call “cross-pollination,” enriches my creative process in ways that extend far beyond efficiency. It connects themes, enhances technical skills, and is conducive to my goal of uniting the diversity of my work into a cohesive artistic voice.

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More Than Multitasking: The Logistical Benefits

Working on multiple pieces at once allows me to keep the momentum of creativity flowing. While one painting dries, I can dive into another already underway. This constant rhythm not only maximizes productivity but also keeps ideas fresh, as shifting between works often sparks new insights.

In my studio, you’ll find an array of projects in progress—paintings, drawings, pre-painting sketches in sketchbooks or on the drawing board, and even designs for sacred spaces or geodesic domes—all feeding off one another. It’s a lively interplay that ensures my time spent creating is maximized!

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Finding Connections: Thematic Enrichment

Cross-pollination goes beyond mere efficiency; it serves as a powerful method to enhance my thematic exploration. For example, when creating a human portrait that embodies the triune image of God, I might also be painting a pet portrait. Despite the subjects being quite distinct, both push me to capture essence—be it the divine mark on humanity or the distinct personality of a beloved animal companion.

Themes such as eternity and its purpose frequently appear across various works, fostering a dialogue between them. For instance, in the On Earth as It Is in Heaven collection, a conceptual painting titled Freedom Air examines the idea of living openly within God's abundance, giving and receiving without worry, as God intended. While developing this piece conceptually, it clarifies the challenge of bringing Heaven to a flawed earth through our thoughts. As these mental explorations transition to paper and eventually to canvas, I am also engaged in a portrait piece called Bola, which delves into the meaning of her name (riches and abundance) and the specific imprint of God's image in her spirit, soul, and body. Exploring the depths of God's image in each person is an immersive, eternal endeavor, continually pointing to God's infinite abundance. The connection to God's perpetual abundance is mirrored in my work on both paintings and my broader understanding of this truth in life. Working on both simultaneously helps refine these concepts, not only in art but in my comprehension of life itself. That’s the beauty of cross-pollination in my art practice!

Just as every human is unique and irreplaceable, so is all of God's creation! I'm also working on Jay-Jay (in the Consider the Birds series), who portrays the character of the Stellar's Jay that visits us almost daily. We enjoy his clown-like, humorous antics as he comes to the deck for his peanut share! This series not only celebrates the personality and character of each wild bird but, as the title suggests, also directs us to the abundant care God continuously provides, as the scripture encourages us to consider the birds. They neither sow nor reap nor store in barns, yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not more valuable than the birds? I've never seen a starving bird or one panicking about its next meal. We learn from them when we consider the birds. They trust their Heavenly Father and thus live and fly in true freedom. Hmm, have you heard about this theme of provision and abundance before? At the same time, I am also adding a cherished kitty to my collection of pet portraits. Each pet portrait consistently demonstrates the uniqueness of each creature, none forgotten by God, all known to Him from the beginning of creation, and all of which will be renewed alongside the sons of God. Each has a unique character. Imagine the vastness of a God who knows each of the countless creatures He has created since the world's beginning! Are you noticing how the themes connect?

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Skill Building Across Media

When I experiment with techniques in one medium, they often inspire innovations in another. Layering pastels to create depth, for example, has taught me subtleties that I now bring into my oil paintings. Conversely, the richness of oils has pushed my pastel work to explore more dynamic layering and blending techniques.

This cross-pollination of skills isn’t limited to similar media. Architectural drawing techniques—such as precise hatching or freehand sketching—often find their way into my paintings and pre-painting sketches, blending technical structure with painterly expression. The result is a hybrid style that continues to evolve and uniquely define my artistic voice.

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A Unified Artistic Voice

At first glance, the subjects I explore—spiritual themes, pet portraits, human portraits, and architectural designs—might seem disconnected; however, the process of cross-pollination ties them together. Each piece informs the next, and over time, this interconnected process informs the direction of my explorations and unites the body of my work into a cohesive narrative.

Whether I'm creating a painting that delves into a spiritual truth about a believer's authority, offering a tranquil glimpse into an eternal realm, or examining the meaning of the image of God in a specific portrait, my artistic voice stays unique and consistent.

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Art and Design in Harmony

The cross-pollination extends beyond art. In my upcoming design projects, I am eager to observe how my work in design, especially within sacred spaces and geodesic domes, is profoundly shaped by the themes I delve into in my paintings. Creating a space intended to inspire spiritual contemplation pushes me to consider how art can elevate that experience. Conversely, painting frequently influences my design approach, forming a feedback loop that I believe will enhance both fields and integrate them. I plan to apply cross-pollination throughout my design-related activities as well.

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Clarity Through Creation

One of the most significant advantages of cross-pollination is how it sharpens the concepts I investigate, not only in my art but also in life. When I examine themes of eternity, spiritual freedom, and divine purpose from various perspectives, they resonate more profoundly.

Ultimately, cross-pollination transcends being merely a creative method; it embodies a lifestyle and a deliberate approach to creation. It involves allowing ideas, skills, and themes to move seamlessly between projects, reinforcing the links among them. This practice not only enriches my work but also integrates my path as an artist, designer, and pursuer of eternal truths.

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How about you?

Which aspects of your work or personal life could improve through cross-pollination? Feel free to share your ideas in the comments or reach out to me on social media. To see how these concepts are implemented in my studio, you may sign up for my newsletter for free, exclusive previews and updates.