In doing art and illustration, I end up spending a lot of time in my own head and in my own company. This time alone is actually quite satisfying (truly!) but I also am finding that I value of connecting with others around or through art. These are just a few of the things I’ve found.
Be an artist in what you do.
I went on a trip to the south of France where I stayed at Clos Mirabel, a beautiful estate where I joined other artists for an atelier on sketching and linocut.
On this day I was particularly inspired by Amelie, our chef, who brought in a delicious Lou Trilhou raw cows milk farmhouse cheese made in her hometown of Luquet. Amazing.
Everything we tasted and saw and read and learned that week was brought with such true intention and artistry.
I came away with a more genuine appreciation for people who strive to bring the art into what it is that they do – be it linocut, gardening, building houses or making amazing meals or cheeses. They are everywhere and they make this world more beautiful.
Art can help you make sense of the world.
During the very early days of the pandemic, spring and early summer, it seemed that we were all on this weird journey that was both shared and singularly our own. I knew some people who were devastated by it and other who were just inconvenienced. No judgement here – just that it was different for everyone. I hadn’t lost anyone during the pandemic, but with the constant roll of names and stories it was hard for me to wrap my mind around the volume of loss.
I decided to just focus on one person at a time. Read about them in the paper, understand who they were and paint a little portrait of them. I put these in a little pile and now they all just reside in a box that I pull down from time to time – to just remember who they were.
Make art for the people you love.
One holiday year I was hemming and hawing over what to get my sister and brother. They already buy the things they want and the stores are so full of cool, but impersonal things.
Maybe I was watching a little too much British monarchy on Masterpiece – but I thought Id make them some family crests. I’d give them my rough idea and they could pick and chose elements to keep, change or drop. It was very fun and hey, family crest!
I also had a friend who completed 1000 days of walk on her iWatch. it was a big feat for anyone, but being over 80, it was an amazing feat for her! I drew her a little congratulations card. She loves it.
Taking a minute to express through art takes a minute (sometimes more), but it will rarely be recycled to the Goodwill!