“I sometimes think there is nothing so delightful as drawing.”
Design Doodles.
Line Designs, Repetition
and the Travelling Sketchbook
Line Designs.
In addition to my wire-work, Line Designs has been the name for my art cards, doodles and illustrations since the beginning. The design-doodle story captured above shares a sampling of illustrations related to my art-making endeavours (logos, cards and gift tags), and those customized commissioned creations for corporate use.
The Repetition Ritual.
A wise soul and art school classmate Jeremy, many years ago encouraged me to create sequential sketches. He suggested investing the time to undertake a series of connecting drawings where line, shape, pattern, form, and composition were explored and actualized through each new rendering.
Potential discoveries brought into being lead me to explore, modify, change and repeat. Through this repetitive mark-making, I was constructing a practice of drawing, engaging, focusing and art-making. I have attempted to apply this intention to all my doodling (expressive sketches, response art, art-with-a-purpose doodles and design work creations).
The Travelling Sketchbook.
My sketchbooks have had adventures... in the car, at the airport and on the plane, out in nature, during professional development days and mini-breaks, at the hair salon under the dryer, and within my dentist or doctor’s waiting rooms.
On these occasions, I have needed to doodle in a contained repetitive way with no expectations around what I conceive and develop. These could be lengthy or brief sketchbook engagements, with some settings woven with the common thread of expected interruptions.
I have since nudged myself to embark on at least three versions of whatever image I am exploring and doodling. Flagging blank pages in my sketchbook as a reminder of this intention, sometimes capturing the idea with lightly drawn lines, and having simple and accessible materials nearby (a basic sketchbook, pencil and various black pigment pens), all support, develop and nurture this process.
“You can never do too much drawing.”
Through a more Mindful Lens.
Years later through the lens of art-making and mindfulness, I realize how meditative this practice became for me at certain points in my life. There existed freedom and relaxed contentment within my felt understanding and creative practice; 'I do not only need to be searching for new inspiration.
A measured, methodical yet relaxed approach awaited and welcomed through soothing marks, patterns and repetition. This desire for a simpler process could firmly materialize or breeze in, due to a multitude of life factors, and that was okay.
These reflections speak to the value, benefits, significant role, and expansive reach various art-making activities and modalities can have for us at different times. Art can meet us 'in the moment' and connect to 'where we are at'. We should be mindful not to narrow our gaze and ultimately limit our expression within a definition of art where it can only be... or only includes...??!!
“One must always draw, draw with the eyes, when one cannot draw with a pencil.”
Art Notes
Doodling Prompts:
LINES - Creative Prompt • 3-Line Doodle…
LINES - Creative Prompt • Stained Glass DoodleLINES
Zentangle Method Story:
My Zentangle Story. Laurel.