Craig Tilley's Artistic Process: Guided Surrealist Flow and Endurance Art
Craig Tilley, the visionary artist behind The Grapevine Wall project, has developed a distinctive artistic process that blends elements of surrealist automatism with modern technology, personal experience, and a profound sense of endurance. This approach, which we might call "Guided Surrealist Flow," is a testament to Tilley's resilience, creativity, and deep understanding of the human experience.
Adapting to Visual Challenges
At the core of Tilley's process is his adaptation to Stargardt disease, a genetic eye condition that affects central vision. Rather than viewing this as a limitation, Tilley has transformed it into a unique artistic advantage. By zooming in closely on his digital canvas, he focuses intensely on lines and colors, allowing his hand to carve out illustrations with a level of detail and intuition that might not be possible with full central vision.
The Flow of Creation
As Tilley creates, he allows his hand to move freely across the iPad screen, reminiscent of the automatic drawing technique used by Surrealist artists. However, unlike pure automatism, Tilley's process is guided by a rich tapestry of information and ideas:
- Auditory Research: While drawing, Tilley consumes research audibly, immersing himself in the latest news on social issues, technology, climate change, and economic trends. This creates a unique synergy between unconscious creativity and conscious awareness of the world's current state.
- Digital Medium: Using an iPad as his canvas, Tilley embraces modern technology while maintaining the spirit of free-flowing creativity. This digital approach allows for seamless integration with the broader mixed-reality aspects of The Grapevine Wall project.
- Narrative Integration: Each piece of art, or VINE, connects to a larger story, creating an intricate tapestry of human experiences. This overarching narrative adds depth and context to the intuitive creation process.
Beyond Traditional Automatism
Tilley's approach goes beyond traditional surrealist automatism in several key ways:
- It incorporates intentional research and current events, grounding the abstract in real-world context.
- The use of digital technology allows for a unique interaction between hand and medium.
- The zoomed-in perspective creates a distinct visual style and level of detail.
- Each piece contributes to a larger, interconnected narrative spanning 6,000 days.
Endurance Art
The Grapevine Wall project is not only a testament to Tilley's artistic vision but also to his endurance as an artist. Spanning approximately 16.5 years (6,000 days), the project exemplifies the principles of endurance art:
- Long-term Commitment: The project's duration demonstrates a significant test of mental and creative stamina, aligning with the concept of durational art.
- Consistent Output: Creating two new VINES each month over such an extended period requires sustained effort and dedication, hallmarks of endurance art.
- Physical and Mental Challenges: Tilley's work involves adapting to and overcoming the challenges posed by Stargardt's disease, adding an element of physical endurance to his artistic process.
- Conceptual Endurance: Maintaining a consistent vision and narrative thread over many years tests Tilley's mental endurance and creative persistence.
- Audience Engagement: The project invites viewers to engage with the work over an extended period, challenging their attention spans and commitment, a characteristic of durational performances.
Impact and Vision
This innovative artistic process allows Tilley to create works that are both deeply personal and universally relevant. By blending intuitive creation with conscious awareness of global issues, Tilley's art serves as a bridge between the subconscious mind and the collective human experience.
The Guided Surrealist Flow technique, combined with the endurance art aspect, is more than just an artistic method; it's a reflection of Tilley's vision for fostering human connection and understanding. Through this unique approach, The Grapevine Wall project aims to chronicle humanity's journey, offering insights into our shared past, present, and potential futures.
As the project unfolds towards its completion on New Year's Eve 2030, Tilley's artistic process continues to evolve, adapt, and inspire, creating a living testament to the power of creativity in the face of challenges and the endless possibilities of human expression.