The Involuntary Reaction of Images
Process
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The Turn ,acrylic on panel, 1/9/19 |
Ariana Isler:
When you begin a new painting or drawing, what usually sparks it?
Is it something you've observed, an emotion, a memory, an interesting visual composition, a concept you want to explore, or something else? Walk me through a recent piece from the moment the idea first appeared until you decided it was worth pursuing.
De Leva:
Creating art is less about waiting for inspiration and more about making it part of my daily life.
I've learned that inspiration is always there if I'm actively looking for it. I think of it like surfing: the waves are always breaking on the shore. My job is simply to be in the water, ready to catch them. The more time I spend creating, the more opportunities I have to find the next move.
Ariana Isler:
You ended by saying, "The more time I spend creating, the more opportunities I have to find the next move."
That's an interesting choice of words. When you say "move," what do you mean?
Are you talking about a creative decision—like changing a color, composition, or subject—or is a "move" something more intuitive, a moment when the work suddenly reveals what it needs next? How does recognizing the next move differ from simply having a new idea or feeling inspired?
De Leva:
A "move" is an action a physical commitment to changing the work. I try not to think of the next action of painting. The goal for me is to "find myself painting". It's like laughing, you never think about laughing you just feel your diaphragm convulsing, feel your throat constricting and your vocal cords making sound. Then you might recognize that involuntary reaction as laughing. I feel this process is the most vulnerable I can be.
