After finishing Kinetic Becoming “The Beginning,” it’s a good moment to pause, breathe, and unwind. I’ve realized there’s still so much I have yet to learn about this journey.
“The Beginning” marked an exciting and brave step forward. Sharing my work, sealing the envelope, and sending it out into the world is a wonderful achievement to be proud of. That moment carries more significance than it might appear at first glance. While many people may feel stuck in the comfort of feeling almost ready, I’m different. I made a commitment, and that single decision can truly change everything for the better.
What comes next isn’t a big change or a flashy redo. It’s more subtle and a bit more challenging. This upcoming chapter of Kinetic Becoming encourages us to deepen our understanding gently rather than making a huge leap. It’s about listening more attentively and needing to prove less. It’s about allowing the material to tell its own story instead of always trying to explain the idea.
Kinetic Becoming: “The Beginning” explained the why behind the journey. It was open, exploratory, and beautifully imperfect—a vital phase where curiosity and questions took center stage over complete confidence. As we move forward, the tension naturally arises from leaving that initial phase behind. Now, the focus shifts from just testing ideas to understanding the discipline required by the material itself. Instead of asking, “Does this idea work?” I begin to ask, “What does the material truly demand if I commit fully?”
This phase really highlights the importance of structure—both in a literal and conceptual sense. It’s about considering internal supports, balance, stress, and negative space, making the process more about discovery and less about hiding imperfections. Joints, seams, cracks, and failure points aren’t just issues to fix; they turn into exciting opportunities for exploration. As the work develops, it moves from individual pieces to interconnected systems—repeating patterns that can be pushed, broken, rebuilt, and genuinely understood, creating a rich and engaging process.
To foster that kind of learning, the studio should become a lively laboratory where ideas can flourish and experiments can happen, creating an inspiring environment for everyone.
Instead of rushing to finish full projects, this stage is about making a series of playful study sculptures. Think of them more as lively clay sketches—quick, focused, and perfectly fine to be provisional. I’ll explore one form through different variations, test a structural idea at various sizes, or rebuild a gesture with different construction methods. The goal isn’t to find perfect answers right away, but to build fluency and a deeper understanding. It’s like learning the language of your materials before creating your final masterpiece. As the work intensifies, a gentle sense of restraint sweeps through the studio, fostering a calm, focused environment that encourages everyone to do their best.
Style isn’t just about decoration—it’s about what’s created through limitations. When I use fewer gestures, simplify surface storytelling, and trust structure to communicate meaning before adding textures, it might feel a little uncomfortable or sparse at first. But this discomfort is actually a good sign! It means I’m challenging myself and making more thoughtful choices instead of acting on impulse.
“Tension” marks an exciting new chapter in the ongoing story of Kinetic Becoming. “The Beginning” has wrapped up, and now I step into the middle passage—a phase where everything tends to slow down, become more peaceful, and feel more authentic. While titles can take a backseat for now, one thing is already evident: I am focusing on Structure, Assembly, and Tension. It’s not about reinventing the wheel, but about making the path ahead clearer and more inspiring.
During this phase, documentation really becomes a key part of the practice, not just an afterthought. Each piece is carefully photographed, and every success, stumble, and surprise is thoughtfully noted. This approach helps foster an MFA-ready mindset and boosts confidence in discussing the process. The work isn’t just created; it gradually builds understanding and insight. And then, there’s the pace that gently keeps everything flowing smoothly.
Here’s a universal truth worth remembering, even if it sometimes gets overlooked online: genuinely impactful sculptural voices develop through repetition, patience, and a curious mind. They aren’t born from constantly chasing the latest trends or rushing to judgment. Embrace this journey, keep your hands in the mud, and stay curious. Remember, progress is more about the clarity you find along the way than just completing pieces.
“Tension” isn’t just about reaching a new place; it’s about allowing yourself enough time there for the experience to truly transform you. It’s these moments that can really shape who you are and help you grow.
My journey didn’t end when I hit “submit” for the MFA Portfolio. It simply changed—from demonstrating what I could do… to becoming the person I’m truly meant to be.
