I like to draw and sketch. But I can't imagine something in my mind then draw it. I'm too visual - I need to look at something and draw my interpretation of it. The above sketches are from my sketchbook. I have this cool clear glass bottle that my husband bought for me from the awesome Corning Glass Center in Corning, NY. It has a hole in the center.
So, to practice shading and highlights, I decided to draw the bottle as it sat on my dresser. The sunlight was coming in and flooding the space from the right. When drawing I have to be very conscious of what direction the light source is coming from and where the shadows lay. I love it because I interact intimately with the subject. I just don't glance at it, I investigate it up close and personal. I see so much more when I'm drawing - I see the texture and shape and color and design and density.
After exploring the subject fully, I sketch the outline, making adjustments as necessary. Yes, I use an eraser. It's not the devil, I promise. Once I'm happy with the overall shape, I begin filling in the details - again noticing where the light is and where it is not. That is when I get 100% into what I'm doing. My cell phone can ring and I wouldn't hear it. A fire could start in the kitchen and I wouldn't see it. In other words, I'm totally present in that moment and the only thing on my mind is how my pencil is functioning under the pressure of my right hand - does it need to be sharpened - does it need to be rubbed dull - stuff like that.
When I get into that "zone" I'm most content. There is something rare and wonderful about being fully present and totally engaged in that moment. Art does that for me more than any other practice. In those times my mind is free to wander. More often than not, it becomes a time to listen for God's voice. Not necessarily regarding my drawing. I don't hear Him saying, "hey, a little more shading depth on the right side." No, it's like the act of drawing preoccupies my consciousness to so that my subconsciousness can mingle with the Spirit. This is when I feel most close to God and can hear His voice clearly. I long for those rendezvous with my Creator. And it happens when I'm creating. Ironic huh? Not really...
If you think about it, creating is tapping into the a depth that is truly of God. He's the master Creator of the Universe, humans, animals, and all things lovely. When we are creating and intentionally listening for His voice - I believe we have an open channel directly to Him. It's an awesome experience, one that is difficult to put words too. The highest form of worship for my King that I've ever experienced. And yes, it happens when sketching. But, only when I'm mindful of His presence as I enter the artwork. It's so cool.
So, what's in your sketchbook? Dare to share? Scan it and email it to me, deAnn. Also, it would be cool if you shared your experience, how you sensed God's presence or what you heard from Him during the time of the creative endeavor. If it's clean and appropriate, I'll post here on Vertical Creativity. Your story to encourage others. It's about community. Creating in the context of virtual Community.
Grace & peace on the journey ~ deAnn
p.s. I didn't give much credit to the egg sketch - which I really dig, even more than the bottle!
2 comments:
That is exactly it--yes, the results matter if you're an artist by profession. You have to make things other people find attractive enough to buy. But art, real art can be a blob of ink on the wall. It's all about *you*--your *experience*! I think too many people fall away from that trying to create works to impress others.
Siobhan, I actually think you are speaking of just ONE facet of creativity - that it CAN be about *you*. But, I think, like all gifts from God, it is best used when it is given to others. So I would look at this from a different angle. Rather than create works to "impress others", I feel called to create works to SERVE others. To connect. To create something that is not only for me, but BEYOND me. Something that transcends me, and thus has a bit of Him in it.
Art as therapy is alright, but I think art in and for community is a much more beautiful and purpose-full thing.
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