We're in the process of really downsizing--a lot! Getting light on our feet has proven to be an interesting physical, philosophical and emotional experience. I've been sorting through all my art supplies, music gear, sketch books, recordings, original copies of written work...everything is being reviewed for its value. Do we keep it? If I'm not using it, do I still want to store it? Why? What happens when I release the energy stored in an object? Is it different for physical property vs. intellectual property? It's opened a lot of questions.
Continue reading "How Much Downsizing is Too Much?"
It's been crazy! But isn't that the way it is for everyone these days? Seems like everything's going faster and faster. Well, Ping and I are taking steps to slow things down, but for the moment, it's even crazier than before. Our hope is to create enough time and space to do what matters most to us. We've found that "time management" isn't as fundamental as "life management." How do we create a sustainable life? We'll keep you posted. I'm hoping that what we learn by taking on this kind of challenge will help others see their own lives differently, too. In the meantime...I don't think we're catching up yet! But the ride is pretty exciting!
It's been a very busy month! Somehow I've also managed to squeeze in a few books that have been interesting reading. What I noticed about them is that it seems very clear when the author has actually experienced what he's writing about. That ring of authenticity also shows up in my art, writing or music when I experienced my subject firsthand. I've noticed that it's not as easy to write, paint, or even talk about something about which I have only second-hand knowledge. When it's my own experience, it's always easy. That's not to suggest that one should never write about experiences one hasn't actually had. There's no point in terrorizing someone just to be able to write a believable villain! But I do find that there's so much more depth in my music, art, writing and speaking when I have been there myself. If I'm aware of where I am, even now, this experience is richer and it will have more value to future endeavors. One never knows when something that is happening will have a far-reaching effect sometime in the future. So I'm working on being more aware--and getting out there! It's so easy to live in my head. The more I experience the world, the more I get out there, the more I have to work with. And that's a very good thing!
I've been working with graphite for as long as I could hold a pencil. About 25 years ago, I figured out what to do with all the "B" and "H" grades, but I"m still learning. I've recently discovered just how different grading can be from brand to brand, and I've changed some of my previous conceptions regarding how to use them.
Continue reading "Pencil Grades"
I've been doing a LOT of painting recently, after a bit of a hiatus. It reminds me again how cool this medium is! After having done a lot of colored pencil, pen & ink, and alkyd painting, I'm still very happy to use the pastels. I love the immediacy, the vibrant colors, the huge range of textures, the ability to get a certain amount of randomness--and the ability to wipe it off and do something better! Here's more about what I like about pastel.
Continue reading "More Cool Stuff About Pastels"
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