"As the artist picks his way along, rejecting and accepting as he goes, certain patterns of enquiry emerge"

An artist’s journey is not a straightforward path; it is defined by an ongoing process of decision-making. Bridget Riley connects the act of creation to a series of choices, some elements are embraced, others set aside as the artist moves through a work. This continuous pattern of accepting or rejecting shapes the very fabric of the artistic process, where each decision influences both the form and direction of the final piece.

Through this dynamic progression, patterns of enquiry naturally arise. An artist, driven by curiosity and intuition, explores elements such as color, composition, or technique, repeatedly testing and refining ideas. Each moment of acceptance signifies a resonance with something previously discovered, while each rejection suggests a divergence or dissatisfaction that steers the artist toward new avenues. These choices are rarely definitive; rather, they are part of a flow that marks the evolution of the work.

As patterns develop, both consciously and subconsciously, the artist’s priorities and interests become more apparent. Over time, certain visual themes or conceptual questions may reoccur. This repetition is not accidental; it reflects deeper fascinations and unresolved puzzles within the artist’s mind. For Riley, such patterns were often visible in her exploration of optical effects and the perception of space and movement. Yet, this process transcends medium and style, each creative endeavor follows its own unique trajectory of questioning and discovery.

Ultimately, the process described suggests that the meaning and structure of an artwork are not predetermined but grow organically through this series of choices. The work becomes a record of the artist’s investigative journey, revealing both the certainty of decisions made and the richness of questions that remain. It’s through this navigation between acceptance and rejection that some of the most intriguing and original aspects of art are born.