Scratching, by Twila Tharp

What is scratching and how does Twyla Tharp suggest that we do it?

According to Twila Tharp, scratching is looking everywhere for inspiration. Scratching means coming up with multiple ideas, transforming the ideas into art, observing at the art, and adjusting or adding in order to make a bigger idea. One must listen, watch, read, and observe. Tharp suggests gathering ideas from a range of different sources. There are no rules when it comes to scratching; however, Tharp suggests that you never look for ideas in the same place. If you don’t know where to begin, start to experiment and take risks. I can see myself using Tharp's suggestion of experimenting with different materials, colors, and designs, especially ones that I’m not normally comfortable doing.

Knowing your work in the studio, what methods, techniques, or tricks can you see yourself using from Ms.Tharp's suggestions?

I can see myself using Tharp's suggestions to expand outside my comfot zone, and possibly discover something I can work with. Sometimes I become too focused on what the final outcome will be, and not the steps throughout the process. With Tharp's suggestions to gather ideas from my surroundings, I will spend more time brainstorming, and experimenting with different materials, and ideas. Scratching is thinking outside the box, and experimenting with things that don’t typically fall into your comfort zone, and then taking those ideas to create something new to you. I think that since I have the opportunity to explore, and try new things, I could create something abnormal to my usual work.

What would scratching look like in the studio?

In the studio, scratching could fall under many different categories. Scratching can be using new materials, experimenting with different colors, changing the place of your easel or desk, or draw different subjects. By visiting another artist's studio, an art gallery, or museum, an artist would be able to see the work of another artist's scratching. Scratching is all about experimentation, so by exploring and experimenting in any way possible will broaden your typical objectives.