I’ve begun, and I have to say it’s a bit daunting. But I suppose taking on anything that’s likely to be part of your life for a considerable amount of time is going to be a bit daunting.
All of my course materials arrived today, packaging like something bought from a high end boutique. I’d never considered wrapping a ring binder in bright red tissue paper or that doing so would give it such weight and implied importance. It did make me smile. I’ve spent sometime reading, watching and digesting all the pre-course info. I’ve had a look at the starting HE short course and have decided not to slavishly go through it. But to use it as and when, if required. After watching the work critique videos on the website it got me thinking. Thinking about me as an artist and what that means, thinking about art and trying to figure out what it is. I’ve thought about the work I’ve done in the last couple of years, is any of that art? Well yes and no, maybe. There are the odd couple of pieces that I believe are more art than practise.
But in the main I feel I’ve spent the last two or so years practising. Not a wholly unworthy use of my free time, but I get the feeling that technically proficient drawings aren’t going to cut it from here on. Art, real art has to say something. Not just recording what things look like, a camera does this job much quicker. It should express what I have to say on the subject, giving the viewer a little bit of me.
So what does all this mean for me going forward? One thing taking part in Inktober has taught me is that drawing everyday is achievable. Not only is it achievable but it’s enjoyable and very worth while. I must continue to practice, drawing for the sake of drawing. And most importantly for the sheer pleasure of it. I could also do with being more self aware, what is this drawing achieving and what do I really think about it. Do I need to have another go at a subject or have I achieved what I set out to achieve. Being more mindful of my emotions and how they impact on my outcomes.
I’ve started having ideas for the first exercise of the course. I will spend some time over the next week or so playing around and doing some reading. So far so good. Thanks for reading and happy scribbling.
just finished today’s blog .really enjoyed it . Good start Ian