Tuesday 10 February 2015

Focusing on the Ordinary - and finding answers

Every Day Matters.

 'Yes, of course', some of you may say.
Others will nod and murmur ' Ah, EDM,  Danny Gregory' and possibly Sketchbook Skool. Chances are if you're reading this you'll know what I'm talking about.

Sharon explains and demonstrates how EDM (and other interesting creative  things) in  her excellent blog Tones and Tints.  It's really worth a visit, and if you're a stitcher, then you'll probably know her already from one of my favourite blogs  Pintangle. There's also a thought provoking post from from Sarah,  here.

Sometimes, having diverse creative interests is awkward.
After feeling elated on completing the 31 Days sketching challenge last week  - I felt lost.   It had sparked off so many wonderful new creative ideas, but how could I possibly implement them all?  My focus went walkabout. It didn't even wave goodbye!

So - at embroidery class, I took some books about learning to draw for  my friend and class participant  Alison, which included  Danny's 'The Creative License'.  I explained  the concept and background  to EDM,  and recording our lives through art. This was a new idea to  my group, but they really took it on board -  we ended up talking about the importance of creativity and marking our lives. Not just the big events, but the little things - and, the different ways in which we can do this through our creativity.

We didn't actually get much stitching done, but it was wonderful to feel the enthusiasm, ideas and interest - and the understanding of the importance and connection of creativity in daily life. I must admit I got a real buzz from it.

I'd been a bit of a silly old Jules. Far better to have a store of ideas, but to concentrate on the now.  Explaining this to others made me really remember it's the journey that's important. The willingness to continue learning, and practice, patience and perseverance are all that's needed. Instead of worrying - just do it. Focus returned. She was a bit tired and hungry, but  I made her a big bowl of soup, and we're settling down nicely.

OK, I am going to inflict more sketches on you. I've still been drawing every day, and I'm taking a new class with  renowned Urban Sketcher and illustrator Marc Taro Holmes - 'Sketching People in Motion'.  via Craftsy.  It is, absolutely, fantastic.  He's a brilliant teacher and these are my first two complete sketches, created while watching video.  I would never imagine I could, sketch anyone moving,  so I can't praise this class highly enough. I can't wait to get out and practice gestural sketching now.


  Classical violinist

Classical guitarist.

The guitar is totally off, but I don't care. They were moving! Whoopee!
Do check out Marc's blog and stunning art on the link. x

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

A timely post and thought-provoking too! Love the violinist. You have such movement in her!

Rachel said...

Explaining something to other people always helps!

CC said...

Ah, Jules! I needed this today! Was feeling very overwhelmed with health and creative issues. In fact I was angry! But this post really helped me relax about it all! Thanks so much! In the moment now!

Deb said...

Wonderful Jules! I know that feeling of indecision that leads to inactivity, it's like you have sooo many ideas shooting through your mind and choosing just one feels too overwhelming, so you end up doing nothing! I like the philosophy of EDM, I'm not familiar with Danny and I'm not a sketcher but I think that philosophy can be transferred to any medium, as your embroidery classmates so vividly demonstrated! Keep calm and keep on sketching :O)

Starr White said...

I struggle with this issue often, Jules and your post is so encouraging and inspiring. I may need to check out those books you mentioned. Thanks for sharing!

Michelle May-The Raspberry Rabbits said...

I read this post in my email. I always forget to come and make a comment as I scurry off. This was a wonderful post Jules. It's so true how creativity works and for that matter doesn't work sometimes. Love your sketches. As always, I am so sad that you don't live right next door.
Hugs!

Shashi Nayagam said...

Dear Jules what you have said in the post is so very true. We need to just stop worrying how good or bad we are and be ourselves in creating. Like many I too fall into the pit of getting many ideas, mind wandering and finally my muse gets tired and goes walkies.
Your sketches I just love. You have a beautiful touch and glad to know that you are continuing with your sketches