We have a new artist in our studios.
Hi, Today I have a new Artist interview with Gry Hege Rinaldo about creativity and her thoughts about the inner constructive critic versus the destructive inner critic.
As you know my blog is about creativity and what is better than to get the advice of a professional artist.
Gry Hege let me into her studio and share her experiences and some really good tips. I think you will find inspiration from her work and her thoughts on how to stay creative.
She draws the most naturalistic pictures while invoking discomfort in nature. Her art medium is pencil and her drawing skills are amazing. I find it absolutely fascinating to look at her drawings.
Gry Hege lives in my hometown of Sandnes and she has a Degree in Fine Art, Painting, from Slade School of Fine Art, University College of London.
Since her degree show in 2000, she has solo exhibited in galleries and museums in Norway and abroad. Her work can currently be seen in art collections like University College of London´s Art Collection, Stavanger Art Museum, and the Danish national bank.
You can follow Gry Hege Rinaldo on Facebook and Instagram
Here is the interview.
From time to time, all artists have a creative block. How do you overcome this?
Gry Hege: I turn to social media and I go out and take a lot of photographs. I also sketch, maybe just everyday objects in front of me.
I will also watch films that can trigger something,- a feeling, a memory, a thought, a vague idea. I read articles and books regarding psychology and professional articles regarding subjects I’m interested in.
I have a very small notebook where I write down every word or sentence or idea that pops up, and I have a separate book for sketches.
Gry Hege is using the grid method for her drawings.
The grid method is a way of drawing accurately that has been used for generations of artists such as Albrecht Dürer,( Born in 1471) Vincent Van Gogh,( Born 1853) and even Leonardo Da Vinci (Born 1452).
How is your inner critic? What do you do to control the inner critic?
Gry Hege: I have an extremely destructive inner critic. That`s something I have been struggling with my whole life. My inner critic is encompassing,- it attacks, not only my art but every aspect of me. So,- if I ́m not careful, it will swallow me whole (it has done that in the past, and can still do that). So,- when my inner critic starts its ranting,- I try to remember what I’ ́ve done before and that many times I`ve done quite well. I also ask other artists and friends to give me an objective and serious opinion of my work,- since my eyes and mind are playing a trick on me. Sometimes, if my inner critic is overly dominant,- I stop working and try again the next day.
There is a thin and fine line between the constructive, helpful inner critic and the overly dominant destructive inner critic. I believe that a much too strong inner critic is the destructor of all creative energy and inspiration. And I believe that this is why many people don`t dare to be creative.
Everyone has an inner critic in various degrees. It can be useful when it comes to improving your work and technique. It can drive you forward and help you and your work evolve to the next stage. A healthy inner critic prevents you from taking the easy way out. A person with no inner critic is a person who is standing still in life. It will be hard, if not impossible, to improve or succeed at anything.
I often hear people say, when I talk to them about art, that «I can`t do that», «I`m terrible at drawing/painting», «I don`t have a creative bone in my body». That`s the destructive inner critic speaking. Do not listen to it. The destructive inner critic is always deceiving and lying, it never speaks the truth. It`s important to remember that. Everyone is creative in different areas of life. I believe we`re born as creative human beings.
Try to draw, paint, sculpt or print something without listening to that voice. So what if you think it doesn`t turn out good? Block out the destructive inner critic, and draw/paint another piece,- and then another. You decide if you want to show your artwork to anyone. If you want to show them and you`re feeling a bit fragile,- show them to dedicated and fair-minded people. Someone that can be objective. They can give you helpful and constructive tips on what to work on and how to improve. Don`t post it on social media until you`re certain and sure about the work.
I recommend that when the destructive inner critic is at work, put down your pencil or brush. As said before,- your eyes and mind are playing a trick on you. Take a step back, and reach out to friends and people who you trust. Let them back you up and prove the destructive inner critic wrong.
There`s no such thing as perfection, and you are never finished when it comes to learning.
Some Artists work best in the afternoons and evenings, but you seem to work from morning to the afternoon. How do you structure your work habits?
Gry Hege: In contrast to when I was younger, I now have more energy (and optimism!) in the early hours of the day. I get up at about 05.30 and leave for the studio at 08.30 (after the kids have gone to school). Then I stay at the studio until 13.30-14.00. I have some small drawings that I work on from home when I can. I believe that when the kids are older, I ́ll spend more time in the studio. They are actually old enough now, but being a little bit of a high-strung and neurotic type of mother I have a little bit of a problem of letting go…:-D (I know,- I`ve really got to work on that…:- D)
Look at that monster of a Pencil Sharpener with 5 holes! ( Battery Operated Sharpener from Derwent)
The pencils I prefer to use are Staedtler Mars Lumograph and Staedtler Mars Lumograph Black.
The first thing I noticed when I visited your studio is all the fantastic drawing supplies, where do you find the info on what to purchase?
Gry Hege: First and foremost I find out what type of materials are used by the artists who work in the same manner/style as me. I also try to find out what type of art materials I need to help me get the expression I want in my art. Then I search for them on the web and find out where they sell these materials.
The pencils I prefer to use are Staedtler Mars Lumograph and Staedtler Mars Lumograph Black.
The Staedtler Mars Lumograph Black are pencils with both graphite and carbon. That means they are intense black and gets rid of the problem with graphite shine in the darkest areas of a drawing.
The paper I now use is Fabriano Artistico, Hotpressed Paper. This is a watercolor paper, which is really smooth to draw on and it is really sturdy. I also really like to work on Dura Lar Film. This is a polyester film,- I prefer the frosted one. This is the smoothest form of paper I´ve come across.
In Norway, it is hard to find art materials which are not mainstream and new. It`s also rather expensive here. Therefore I use Amazon, and occasionally Jackson`s Art Supply. The Norwegian websites I use are KEM and Torso.
Can you give us some tips on how to stay creative?
Gry Hege: I recommend using everything around you and to carry with you a little sketchbook,- so you can write and draw, as quick as possible, any kind of idea that comes into your head.
And give yourself a break and don`t be too hard on yourself. Everyone has experienced a creative block for various lengths of time. You have to work through it.
I hope you found it useful and like to try it out. Did you know that you get a printable digital artwork, and a calendar and more if you sign up for the VIP and If you like this post, feel free to share with your family and friends on Facebook.
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