Embracing Chaos: The Freedom in My Creative Process
- Cosmo Bertollini
- Nov 20, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 6
Art is often seen as a method of imposing order on chaos, but for me, chaos is an essential part of the process. I don’t approach my work with strict plans or blueprints; instead, I allow the materials and the moment to guide me. It’s through surrendering to the unpredictable and allowing the work to evolve on its own terms that I find meaning and clarity.
The Role of Chaos in My Creative Process
My creative process is built on freedom—a willingness to let go of expectations and trust in the unknown. Each piece begins with an idea, but as soon as I start working, I let the materials take the lead. It’s a process that often feels shaky and aimless, moments when it seems like the work may amount to nothing. (I weave in and out of this feeling throughout the duration of creating a piece.)
But I hold steady, knowing that these moments of uncertainty are where the real magic happens. By embracing this chaos, I allow the work to take on a life of its own. This approach reflects how I view life—unpredictable, messy, and filled with opportunities for transformation.
Mixed Media and Materials: Building Layers of Meaning
Working with mixed media allows for endless possibilities and the ability to build layers—both literal and metaphorical. I combine writing, textures, forms, and materials to express emotions that are multifaceted and complex, a reflection of the human experience.
Each layer represents a different part of the process: the chaos, the healing, and the transformation. The physical layers in my work mirror the emotional layers we experience in life. It’s through building up and peeling back these layers that I’m able to communicate what words sometimes can’t express.
The Balance Between Spontaneity and Introspection
Although my process begins with spontaneity, there’s always a point where I step back and reflect. This balance between action and introspection is where the work finds its depth. As I move through each piece, I ask myself: What is this piece trying to say? How does it reflect what I’m feeling or want to explore?
Most of the time, I start a piece without a clear destination. But as I work, meaning begins to emerge, sometimes in ways I didn’t anticipate. I’m constantly learning from the universe through my practice, finding answers to questions I may not have even known I was asking.
Trusting the Process: Letting the Work Evolve
Trusting the process has been one of the most important lessons in my creative journey. By allowing the work to unfold in its own time, I’ve learned that art, much like life, doesn’t need to be controlled—it just needs to be guided.
This mindset requires patience and understanding. Sometimes the piece turns out entirely different from what I expected, but those unexpected moments are where the real magic lies. Art, like life, is about embracing the unknown and letting the work evolve in its own way.
In the end, my process is about more than just creating art—it’s about navigating the world and finding meaning in the mess. It’s a practice in letting go, trusting in the unknown, and embracing the beauty that comes from allowing myself and my work to evolve. I invite you to reflect on your own process, especially in these unprecedented times of uncertainty, and to find freedom in the unpredictable.
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COSMO
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