It’s been quite some time since I’ve bothered to blog. It’s time to try and make this a weekly ritual in concordance with a new project. Initially I thought I would begin the arduous task of illustrating a graphic novel I’ve had sitting on the shelf for several years now. Unfortunately, I don’t think it’s time for that. I am inspired towards a new learning experience that I am hoping will project me forward. Since I have started teaching, something I have been trying to impress upon the students I am instructing is that; “…we should never compare ourselves to other artists.” While I still believe this to be a truism, it’s incredibly hard to do if you desire to call yourself a professional- and beyond that, a commodity.
When I was in an illustration self-promotion class taught by Richard Krepel, I was inspired by a project he shared with us. A student had spent the better part of 2 years filling sketchbooks, using only ink, with at least one drawing every day. The student drew from observation as well as imagination in order to develop a personal, visual vocabulary. This process aided in developing and enhancing the artist’s personal style. The more I look at my own style, the more I feel like it is not distinct enough. It doesn’t have what I am looking for.
Something very strange happened to me after I finished grad school… I realized I now know less about myself than I ever have in my life. I actually feel a little bit lost. Even after I spent over 3,000 hours on a project that meant so much to me… I am left unsatisfied. I need to evolve. So, I am going to begin this “sketch a day for a year” project next week (following Fort Ligonier Days). Keep your fingers crossed for me that I can follow through and that this new course I am about to begin charting will satisfy whatever it is inside of me that keeps telling me; “It’s not enough.”
I Heart Hearts 