What would happen if I drew random shapes with markers and tried to turn them into things? What would happen if I didn’t plan my composition first and went straight into drawing with ink? What would happen if I used pastel over watercolour? What would happen if I used crayons instead of pencils? What would happen if I did something different to what I normally do?
As a kid, ‘what would happen if…’ ruled my world. What would happen if I climbed this tree? What would happen if I went downhill on this skateboard on my stomach? What would happen if I jumped in this puddle? What would happen if I tried not to eat my vegetables?
The results of this approach were anything but safe. I never broke an arm, but I came close. I ended up with plenty of bruises but I never died. Questions that began with ‘what would happen if’ were the easiest way to test my limits.
They still are.