Practicing to practice
As we approach a new, dark reality in the United States, I am trying to build better habits. I am trying to do what I can for my community. I am trying to be a better friend. I am trying to take care of a body that is hellbent on killing me. I am trying to draw more frequently and wildly.
I'm generally pretty good at forming habits. I've been exercising or moving my body in some capacity for more than half of my life. I keep a tidy house. I have a set bedtime. But at this given moment, some days it's hard to think any amount of routine makes sense, given that a lot feels turned upside down.
Given my current convalescence, I have a LOT of time I didn't have before. Unfortunately a good chunk of my time gets chewed up by at-home care, medical paperwork/phone calls, and stuff I had left by the wayside when I was really ill (but, if I'm honest, in denial with myself about how sick I was). It's easy for the days to slip away under these circumstances.
One thing I'm still hoping to do is to start learning Japanese; I have a lot of books I've acquired through little lending libraries around town, believe it or not! But admittedly I am scared to learn a language that doesn't utilize an alphabet, so...I'm trying to revive my art practice, too.
Lynda Barry is helping with that. I'm working my way through her book Making Comics.
What you see below are some of my favorite drawings I've made along the way. All of these panels took 3min or less to draw. A couple years ago I started this book but couldn't get into it. Now I am determined to do as much of it as possible!
I'm about 45% of the way through with the book, however imperfectly I complete some exercises, and I'm already noticing how I judge my drawings less and how much more readily I entertain wonky ideas and less-than-beautiful sketches.
I love how weird and wonky a lot of these drawings are. Sure, there are really terrible ones I decided not to show you here, but it's nice to let loose and explore strange artistic waters...especially as I am gearing up for some memoir and/or comics-oriented projects.
It's never too late to start drawing, and I hope you all are finding ways to care for yourselves and your loved ones right now. ❤️🩹