Drawing for the Sake of It
Drawing is a great visual-spatial exercise that allows the artist to save an idea on a surface on which it can develop to become a piece of art. Some people consider that first draft or what we call gesture drawing as an acceptable technique to be in itself a work of art. Either way, the process of drawing is helping the development of visual coordination, space management, composition, proportions, angles, volume, shapes, light, and shadows, and other elements. The outline separates the main figure from the background and from other objects to understand the position of each in relationship with the others. These skills can be transferred to other domains as interior design, architecture, fashion, web design, and graphic design.
Drawing also provides relaxation, and meditation benefits. It is a good exercise to just draw for a few minutes as part of a daily discipline. In those moments those drawings might not seem or considered a finished product, but the fact that one is getting involved in the creating process, one is building bridges neurologically and cognitively that could lead to complete works of art in the future. The original idea might change, evolve, develop, or remain the same. It could be just a foundation, or a detail element. One might not use that idea for a long time if you use it at all. The most important aspect is that moment. Is about drawing for the sake of it.
Can’t draw? I think that is a lame excuse. Can’t draw what? Can’t draw how? Would you tell a 2-year-old kid that he or she lacks drawing skills? We are not 2-year-old but if they do it with freedom and not interested in the opinion of others, why not us? Why can’t we just take a pencil and scratch a paper? We create our own judgements and we allow other people to pass judgement feeding their ego and selfishness. Draw because it is fun, peaceful, entertaining, and relaxing. Draw because you enjoy it and not because others need to like it. They don’t have to.
The exhibit as featured artist at The Gallery at Elemar came to a close. I had to remove my art from the stage where the featured artist exhibits the work. It is someone else’s time to use the stage. My work was on stage since November 2014. I still show my work there. As I was moving stuff around and trying to figure out my exhibit area I was thinking about Pablo Picasso and his quote, “Give me a museum and I’ll fill it.” I can fill one too. Maybe a museum is too big for me but I’m sure I can fill a gallery or a studio.
I’ve been thinking about a figure study workshop and open figure drawing nights for a while. That I would love to do on a regular basis. Also, the studio space could be great for all the private classes. I could also hold open studios and show openings. It would be amazing to be able to present the new collection along with the book in a place like that. There is so much to dream about. That is the first step to make it a reality. Dream on, my friend.
Studio Time Without Studio Space
Many people hate Monday. I like Monday. Monday is my studio day, or at least it used to be. Technically it still is but certain things changed since we moved. I no longer have a dedicated studio space. The studio space was that corner in which I could work on my art without restrictions and where people came to take private lessons. It was also my space to think, plan, and generate ideas for current and future work. Not having that space sounds like a terrible loss, but it is not. I can have studio time without studio space.
Discipline and practice is not limited to a physical space but to the actions required to maintain the habits to continue creating and improving technique. Yes, the space is necessary to expand those creative moments, teach, keep supplies, and being able to come back to the work at any time. I feel like I’m taking a sabbatical from sculpting and painting. Nonetheless, I keep myself busy drawing everyday, and I am doing the painting and sculpting parties more frequently too. Now that I am writing again that also keeps my mind busy and gives me the chance to meditate and articulate ideas and my mental process. I’ll be teaching a computer class soon as well. Beginning next school semester I’ll be teaching in a university too. With all of these things happening at once I have to consider the world my studio.
I don’t think there is a need to limit myself to the physical studio space to dance with muses and get ready for what comes next. I don’t want to have a studio space as I had before. I want something else for which I’m getting ready. As the weather gets warmer I will be painting outside more, and who knows, maybe I’ll be sculpting again soon. That I can do while I wait to understand God’s will regarding studio space where I can display my art, work, and teach. Until then I enjoy studio time every day. Everything will come to pass in due time. There are so many things to look forward to this year.
Read also Studio Time: Work on Something or Nothing & The Discipline in The Discipline