December 31, 2024

A conversation with a pencil

When I pick up a pencil and make a mark on paper, it begins – a conversation. The mark left behind is a prompt to myself; where should the next mark go? And, as mark begets mark, a drawing emerges, and, as a drawing emerges, so does new thinking.

Nine times out of ten, these drawings don’t go further, at least not immediately. But sometimes they take flight and turn into something I could never have predicted in advance. The drawings that take flight are an emergent thing – they arise from the doing. Do nothing, and nothing arises.

So, pick up a pencil now, make some marks, and see what it’s trying to tell you.

Other observations
May 13, 2025

It ain’t gonna draw itself

What happens to an idea if I’m too scared to draw it? If I don’t feel skilled enough? If I’m just not ready?

May 6, 2025

Like a machine

Should artists aspire for robotic-like accurate and consistency like those who are the best in their sport?

April 22, 2025

The craft of digital drawing

The problem with digital art is that there’s always a piece of software between me and the work, but maybe that’s what makes it a craft?

April 15, 2025

Extending the antenna

Where do ideas come from? How does one make something from nothing? Perhaps it’s about recognising the importance of a state of receptivity?

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