We live in an age that prizes the final outcome and neglects the process.

We rush to finish the song, to complete the painting, to have something to show or sell. Social media glorifies the finished article — the fit, the plate that makes you look like you can cook, the highlights that mask the bad days.

But it is in the process — the journey — that character is built.
Talent is sharpened.
The person is made.

It’s in the clothes you tried on that didn’t work, until you learned the shape of your body.
In the song that sounded off, until you understood the idiosyncrasies of your voice — how to play it like an instrument.

Process is where the gold is.

The musician may begin with a feeling they want to paint with sound, a sentiment to clarify —
But it is process that keeps them returning to the craft.
To pick up a new instrument and become acquainted:
Fingers exploring fresh grooves,
Body conversing with material,
Two presences figuring one another out.

The guitar sings when touched in the right places.
They both learn — about each other, and about themselves.

There is discomfort.
Boundaries are tested, differences hashed out.
But within that discomfort is discovery.
Support. Exploration.
Unknown paths.
And every now and again, when the growth isn’t too painful to bring to the light of public witness —
A release.

From the outside, the journey remains hidden.
Timelines obscure.
We revel in the mystery.

The painter emerges with a new show — a collection of works to display —
While studies and failed experiments remain in storage.

Artist interviews try to peek behind the curtain.
What happened when that revered work was made?

Process is the discovery of self-knowledge.

To learn your own rhythms:
When to rest.
When to wait.
When ideas need time to gestate and give birth.
When the fruit is ripe enough to be picked.

Only the individual knows when they are in or out of season.

Artists seek new materials not just for novelty, but because they know:

It is in the process where the real work happens.

Yes, we like to have things to show for it —
But it is process that makes the artist.
Where hearts are exposed.
Where the necessity to continue is affirmed.

In all its forms, we are here to shine our light.

We are Extra-Medium Magazine — dedicated to covering the process of works in process.