I’m what you would have called a challenging student. Not outwardly impolite, but internally skeptical. You should be, too. Creative thinkers don’t often test well.
Agree with the comments below. This is an exciting start. Drawing definitely tethered me as well, and helped me focus on my academics despite not appearing so. No notebook was complete without imagined and observed worlds existing in the margins. Thanks for that reminder.
Julian, I'm so glad that this post connected. I've found tricks; hacks, if you will, over the years that force my attention. I wonder, have you every revisited any of those old notes and drawings- mined them for stories?
I've not revisited those notebooks in particular, as they probably have all been lost over the years of moving around. But I do go through old sketchbooks and journals every so often and find little nuggets that resonate with me more today than they did at the time. Several years ago I wrote down "drawing is jazz" and "realism/empathy" in different notebooks, and I've found myself letting those phrases really marinating my thought process and the portraits I'm producing at present. Even just the fact that I'm choosing drawing instead of oil painting, my primary medium for 15 years, harkens back to that initial impulse to make marks.
Maybe in time, some of those old stories might find their way into the new art.
Beautiful start to this! I am excited to continue reading more of your thoughts. I relate heavily to the way you describe how grounding observational drawing can be. You and I both know how often I retreat into my own imagination and fantasy on the page, but I think I have always produced my best work using the best of my observational tools and skillsets.
Interestingly enough, I have found listening to a certain song or album on repeat is what tethers me to my work too besides the observational aspect.
Ocean, I've got Kid A on repeat for certain types of work. If I'm ideation, I'll listen to a rhythmic house beat; something that drives and has no lyrics. Lyrics confuse me during ideation, but seem to push me when I paint.
You are eloquently putting into words exactly how I feel! The reminder of not being alone in this is pleasantly reassuring. (Elementary School I was labeled a "day dreamer" and was required to have my parents sign a notebook from my teacher everyday as to whether or not I was "dreaming" during class.)
That must have been so confusing. It sounds like they created a system to work with you, though. Is that right? I think it's an argument for a creative approach to teaching. I read to my son every night and he draws the entire time. Even I wonder if he's listening. When I ask him, he speaks about the stories with such clarity. Thanks for sharing this, Erin!
I got my t shirt yesterday and wore it out last night. I love it!
Awesome! Thank you, Anna. I'm so glad you love it!
Agree with the comments below. This is an exciting start. Drawing definitely tethered me as well, and helped me focus on my academics despite not appearing so. No notebook was complete without imagined and observed worlds existing in the margins. Thanks for that reminder.
Julian, I'm so glad that this post connected. I've found tricks; hacks, if you will, over the years that force my attention. I wonder, have you every revisited any of those old notes and drawings- mined them for stories?
I've not revisited those notebooks in particular, as they probably have all been lost over the years of moving around. But I do go through old sketchbooks and journals every so often and find little nuggets that resonate with me more today than they did at the time. Several years ago I wrote down "drawing is jazz" and "realism/empathy" in different notebooks, and I've found myself letting those phrases really marinating my thought process and the portraits I'm producing at present. Even just the fact that I'm choosing drawing instead of oil painting, my primary medium for 15 years, harkens back to that initial impulse to make marks.
Maybe in time, some of those old stories might find their way into the new art.
I'm certain they will, Julian. If you get to the place where drawing is jazz, you've reached flow, my friend.
Beautiful start to this! I am excited to continue reading more of your thoughts. I relate heavily to the way you describe how grounding observational drawing can be. You and I both know how often I retreat into my own imagination and fantasy on the page, but I think I have always produced my best work using the best of my observational tools and skillsets.
Interestingly enough, I have found listening to a certain song or album on repeat is what tethers me to my work too besides the observational aspect.
Ocean, I've got Kid A on repeat for certain types of work. If I'm ideation, I'll listen to a rhythmic house beat; something that drives and has no lyrics. Lyrics confuse me during ideation, but seem to push me when I paint.
And you ended up being one of those great teachers. Always a pleasure to listen/read your thoughts. Thanks for sharing, hugs from Portugal!
Thank you, Luis. I try; I truly do. Hugs back from here.
You are eloquently putting into words exactly how I feel! The reminder of not being alone in this is pleasantly reassuring. (Elementary School I was labeled a "day dreamer" and was required to have my parents sign a notebook from my teacher everyday as to whether or not I was "dreaming" during class.)
Oh yea, I was a total day dreamer at school!
That must have been so confusing. It sounds like they created a system to work with you, though. Is that right? I think it's an argument for a creative approach to teaching. I read to my son every night and he draws the entire time. Even I wonder if he's listening. When I ask him, he speaks about the stories with such clarity. Thanks for sharing this, Erin!