SKETCH BOOK PAGES

[RobynG]

DJ and Beth mentioned how much they enjoy seeing other artists idea books and sketch books. It inspires me enormously to see how other artists tick. Whether it's a writers jottings in a notebook, or the first few lines of a song or poem, the early designs for a piece of jewellery, phone doodles that lead to a painting or sculpture.....they all motivate me to get going on my own work.

So I'm starting the ball rolling. Come on everyone....post a page of your creative musings right here!

[Mary Hicks]

Robyn and Dan, Thanks for your comments! Actually, I remember when I was doing this - at the airport gate, waiting... There was a man sitting across from us and he kept watching me as I turned the book and took out a different pen. Part of me wanted to ask him if he'd like to see it when I was finished. But it felt very personal then; I didn't want anyone to see it. If I'd shown it to a stranger, my husband would have wanted to see it. He's worried enough about me without having started a vacation looking at this! Anyway, I feel better about myself (did shortly afterwards, actually). Usually when I vacation with the in-laws I experience a lot of anxiety. They're lovely people, and they love me. I just never feel "good enough" about my hair, my clothes, my physical appearance, my work...they are so success oriented. I just want to be happy.

The pens do not purposely reflect different things, Dan. I took my bag full of Sharpies with me and this is the only thing I did with them on the trip! But I'm so glad I had them and my journal with me when I needed them.

It feels so safe here to share stuff like this, and I appreciate the fact that we are all different, yet the same in many ways. We're all walking a path to somewhere and the encouragement here makes me stand taller as I walk along, unashamed of who I am or where I'm going.

[RobynG]

As Dan says, writing your feelings is often a great help. Often I will write a letter to someone to get something off my chest but at the end of it I don't actually feel the need to post it because the tension has been eased by the mere act of writing.

[Mary Hicks]

Robyn, I've written many letters that have never been posted! I agree with you, that writing is a form of "therapy" that needs to see no end.

Sometimes, when I feel like I really need to say something so someone, I'll write it down. Then, I'll read out loud what I've written. Very often, I realize that what I "want" that person to hear feels selfish. But sometimes, practicing saying what you need to reveal about yourself is mind boggling and very freeing.

Writing things down...whether or not it becomes public....has definite advantages! XO

[Barbara Ann Storrier]

I like that Mary, it reminds me in certain ways of pages in a book by SARK ... and you alone choose who to share it with, if anyone.

I've also written letters to people when I'm confused or angry or sad, and it's not necessary to send them. You're right, it leads to realizing what the real problem is. Usually it's my own feelings and behavior, and that can be changed with a little effort. Takes two to tango, as the old saying goes, and many times our feelings are mixed. Just writing it down, making it visible and "concrete" ~ makes it easier to take steps toward a better way of relating.

[meewah]

Hi Mary,
Wonderful !!!!
full of creative juices and it inspire me too !!!

[DJ]

Robyn, Thank you for initiating this exchange. Your sketchbook above makes me happy with anticipation of another of your luscious sculptures. I can still visualize your Noah's Ark tryptich in all its rich colors. What yummy eye candy you create, my friend...
Let's see...sketchbooks...many of the results of the first 30 Day Challenge were sketches and are in My Photos. Since then, I'm in several books at once.

I may upload more recent journal/sketchbook pages in photos later.
Can't wait to see others' pages!
Love & Laughter,
DJ

[Dan Goodwin]

DJ, love the lower right most journal especially, with the purple/blue/red background and pink spiral... Can you post an enlargement of that please?

By the way, starting many different journals at once? What kind of artist does that? Oh yes, ALL of us! : )

Dan

[DJ]

OK, Dan, try this for viewing...

There's actually a sheen to the swirls that doesn't show up in the photo. I really need a better camera; it's on my list for the future.
Thanks,
DJ

[Dan Goodwin]

I like the right hand page especially Deej as it looks very 3D like you've painted on to tissue or something and it's formed ridges and peaks.

[WildCherry]

Yeah, I like it a lot too. Yummy:-)

[DJ]

Thanks, you two -
I'm working on textures in paint, right now, and trying to push my way into a higher place of....................... the sophistication that eludes me.
I think it has to do with the limited time I can devote to my personal work. I can't compete with a full-time artist who makes strides every day, and that is a hard pill to swallow. I must use the summer to make those strides and be slowed to a crawl for ten months. But, the passion I feel in my classroom makes up for it. I grow a garden of students that become my masterpiece. (Example: I had eight graduates from past years visit me at school this spring, and at the annual student show, two seniors presented me with a bouquet of flowers and thanked me for everything, in front of a crowd of two hundred parents & students. So, yeah, that means more to me than all the art sales in the world.)

[RobynG]

Love it! DJ this photograph is just buzzing with creativity!