Introduction to October Blog Carnival

Deleted: A Journey Through Erased Layers in Art

In art, the deleted holds as much significance as the created. We often speak of creation as the ultimate expression, but what about deletion? What about the layers we decide to erase, the elements we choose to cover up, the deleted strokes of a brush that never make it to the final canvas?

We start with a blank space, full of potential. Deleted decisions, deleted brushstrokes, and deleted thoughts create the foundation of our work. Every artist, regardless of medium, faces moments where the eraser becomes as vital as the pencil, where the backspace key outweighs the forward motion of typing. Deletion is part of the process.

Think about the manuscripts with words deleted. The writer chooses to delete to make the prose more powerful. In painting, an artist might paint over a section, deleted it from the viewer’s eye, yet it remains part of the composition’s history. The deleted layers add depth, even when they’re no longer visible.

Why do we delete? What compels us to remove something from our creation? Sometimes, it's to correct a mistake. Other times, it’s to refine, to distil the essence of what we want to convey. The deleted pieces often tell a story of growth and refinement, of the journey from chaos to clarity.

In traditional art, covering up is a form of deletion. Consider the artist who paints over a section of their work. What lies beneath that layer? A deleted version, hidden but integral. These layers create texture and depth, a history you can almost touch but never fully see.

We also see this in digital art, where the undo button becomes a lifeline. Each click of undo deletes a mistake, a misstep. But those deleted clicks are part of the learning process. They’re the unseen mentors guiding us towards the finished piece.

In photography, editing involves deletion too. Cropping out unnecessary parts, deleting imperfections to reveal the perfect shot. Each deleted element shapes the final image, making it more striking, more true to the artist’s vision.

Yet, there’s a delicate balance. Over-deleting can strip away the soul of the piece. The art of deletion is knowing what to keep and what to let go. It’s about creating space for what matters, making room for the elements that truly define the work.

In the end, deletion in art is not just about removing; it’s about revealing. It’s about the courage to let go of what doesn’t serve the vision, the bravery to strip away until only the essence remains. The deleted layers, whether in words, paint, or pixels, are the silent testimonies of the artist’s journey.

So in this blog carnival I'd like us to blog about deletion or the act or deleting. Please email me the blog posts so I can do a collective post acknowledging and celebrating them. My email is aspengreenwood2000[at]gmail[dot]com 

Open to anyone. Post in any language you like (preferably one on google translate so I can read it!)

Write the post on your own website that can be read without logging in (so not social media or paywall sites).

If you don’t have a website, write an article in Google Docs, set the sharing permission to “Anyone With the Link Can View” and submit that!

In your post, include a link to this post at either the beginning or the end and state this is your entry for the October Deletion 2024 Artocalypse Blog Carnival.

Send me the post link at the above address any time between now and October 31, 2024. 

I will then do a roundup post in early November with a short write up of all the entries and links back to your posts.

The Artocalypse will be promoting the roundup post on its website, and social media channels

Much Love,

Aspen Greenwood