Archiving Experience and Observation Through Creative Response

Charlotte Wensley
Sep 24
6 min read

Black leaves pattern on white background, arranged randomly. The leaves vary in size, creating a stark contrast and modern feel. — Preparing a stencil from Eucalypt leaves

Being an artist is a profound experience that transcends mere creation. It involves a deep awareness of the world around us and the emotions that dwell within us in response to it. This heightened sense of perception allows us to notice nuances in the world that might often go unnoticed. The way cloud shadows scud across an expansive landscape and the way sunlight plays through the forest canopy or smaller details like the shape of a leaf; these moments become the seeds for artistic expression at some time in the future.

As an artist, being an observer is inherent. We find ourselves naturally slowing down and fully engaging with our surroundings.

This practice of observation is not just about seeing what's in front of us; it’s about feeling and sensing the nuances and vibrations offered by the world around us.

Every moment of every day holds potential, waiting to be transformed into something tangible through the medium of art, but only if we notice it, observe it and archive it somewhere in our mind for future reference.

| The Art of Observation

Observation is an art in itself. It demands patience and a willingness to immerse oneself in the present moment. When we take the time to observe, we begin to notice the intricate details that make up our surroundings; the play of light and shadow, the sounds of nature, and the emotions that surface in quiet moments.

All these things contribute to a rich tapestry of experiences, which we can later draw on for energy and inspiration to use in our creative response.

For us as artists, these observations are not merely fleeting thoughts; they are the foundation upon which our work is built.

Each brushstroke can describe a specific thought or feeling from a moment in time, allowing the viewer to connect with our own lived experience.

This connection is what makes art so powerful; it transcends language and speaks to the shared human experience.

| Archiving Through Artistic Expression

Exploring drawing transfers on the gel plate for use in collage.

For me, observations surface in their own time as I'm working and they become archived in moments of artistic expression. Consciously or subconsciously, I'm translating the ephemeral into something physical and lasting.

A painting can hold a memory, an atmosphere, or an emotion long after the moment has passed; an artwork becomes a vessel for my experiences, allowing me to share my stories and perspectives with the world. Each painting serves as a record of time and place in the moment of it's making.

The layers of paint, the choice of colours, and the composition all carry meaning.

Sometimes, I may not fully understand the significance of my work until later, when I step back and reflect on the emotions and experiences that inspired it, or journeyed with me whilst I was creating it. I often find myself so fully immersed in the making of a work that it's not until the piece feels resolved visually that I fully understand the meaning of it.

This layered approach to creation adds depth to the artwork, creating an invitation for others to explore different interpretations of it.

| The Studio is a Library

Found natural objects - Banksia seed pod, Pandanus seed, driftwood, snakeskin, coconut fibre

My studio has become a library of saved experiences, with sketches, small paintings, gathered objects, materials and creative signposts all around me. It is a space where my creativity can flourish, and each piece of art tells a story as I encourage it into being.

The walls are hung with paintings that capture moments of memory and emotional expression. Each work is a fragment of my journey, a testament to my observations and emotional reflections.

Creating is a ritual. It is a time for reflection and the exploration of creative ideas, where I can delve into my thoughts and feelings. The studio is not just a physical space; it is a sanctuary for thought and creativity, where I can engage with my inner world and translate it into visual form.

| The Shared Human Experience

Art has the unique ability to connect us through shared experiences. While each artist's journey is personal, the emotions and themes we explore often resonate with others. So many human stories are universal even though they may be experienced differently.

The act of observation becomes a bridge between us and our audience, fostering a sense of community and shared understanding. This connection is what makes art a powerful medium for communication.

When we create from a place of deep awareness, we invite others to join us on our journey.

| The Importance of Slowing Down

In our fast-paced world, taking the time to slow down and observe can be a challenge. But it is essential for artists and anyone seeking to cultivate a deeper understanding of themselves or their surroundings. Slowing down allows us to appreciate the beauty in the mundane and to find inspiration in the everyday and allows reflections to surface.

This can lead to a wealth of creative ideas. By tuning into the subtleties of life, we can discover new perspectives and themes to explore in our work. This intentional approach to observation not only enriches our practice but also enhances our ability to connect with others through our art.

| An Inspirational Example

Going To The Match by L.S. Lowry (1953) — *Going To The Match* by L.S. Lowry (1953)

I watched the movie 'Mrs Lowry and Son' recently- about the landscape works of L.S. Lowry, which were as much about the observation of human life as they were about the scenery - most notably, the 1900's textile mills of the industrial town of Pendlebury, in northern England.

Lowry found a wealth of opportunity for observation in the town's bustling, though grimy working-class life and the dramatic views of the cityscape, with it's factories, chimneys and terraced housing forming the backdrop for many of his iconic artworks.

Though he longed to be a full time artist, by day he went about his business as a rent collector and whilst walking the streets going from door-to-door he was always observing and archiving what was happening around him; both scenically and from an emotional perspective. A keen observer of the human experience, he painted his works, often late at night, without direct reference material, relying on imagination and the lasting impressions he absorbed from his surroundings as he went about his work.

This is a way of working that resonates deeply with me; observing, archiving, responding.

You can read more about Lowry's life and work in my recent blog post here.

| Final Thoughts

For me, being an artist is a journey of observation and archiving. It is about carrying a deep awareness of the world around me and within me. Through the act of observation, I can capture fleeting moments and transform them into lasting expressions of emotion and experience. My work becomes a record of not only of my own journey but also the shared human experiences we all navigate.

In a world that often encourages us to rush, my arts practice serves as a reminder to slow down and notice the details. Each painting, each brushstroke, is a testament to my presence in the world—a declaration that I was here, I noticed, and this was my response.

By embracing this journey, artists invite us all to engage with our surroundings more deeply, fostering a greater appreciation for the fleeting moments that shape our lives.