This week I came across a very enlightening short interview between James Fallows of The Atlantic and longtime tech executive, Linda Stone. I think you might enjoy it: “The Art of Staying Focused in a Distracting World”.
Desk Cup ©2015 Elizabeth Fram
It resonated with me as I am forever trying to navigate my way through constant distractions. I fully own that I rely increasingly on technology to achieve my goals, but I’m not necessarily happy about it. Reading this piece drilled home yet another reason that I am so grateful to be able to spend a portion of each day thinking about and making art.
Lola Nap ©2015 Elizabeth Fram
Even though Stone doesn’t specifically refer to art-making in her theory, I think the process of creation falls within the same framework as the other skills she does mention. It too allows and encourages one to be fully engaged, while at the same time promoting a deep sense of relaxation.
April Woods ©2015 Elizabeth Fram
I made a promise to myself last January that I would try to draw every day. As the weeks have turned into months, I’ve come to realize that this daily practice, usually anywhere from 10 to 45 minutes, not only gives me a chance to work on and improve my capabilities, but quite unexpectedly has turned out to be what one might term something akin to a form of yoga.
Hands: blind contour drawing ©2015 Elizabeth Fram
By approaching this exercise as a “practice”, there is no pressure to come out with a polished finished product. The reward is in merely showing up. While paying close attention to the physical details of whatever I’m drawing (in yoga terms, being “mindful”), an interesting by-product is that the process is incredibly restful and restorative. I’m reaping benefits on a number of levels. For instance, I am making new discoveries in the reciprocity of mark-making between my drawings and my textile work. I am seeing improvement and gaining confidence in my draughtsmanship; unsuccessful attempts don’t discourage me because I know I’ll be back at it the next day. I get a true sense of accomplishment in knowing that I am following through on my New Year’s promise. And finally, my time spent drawing is an oasis that has no bearing on how the rest of my day turned out — in the studio or otherwise… it just is.
Pepper ©2015 Elizabeth Fram
That’s a pretty satisfactory return on a very modest investment. I encourage you to try it.
Aside from the excellent Fallows/Stone interview and your very beneficial “take” from it, I am all of a sudden realizing that your drawings are embroidery with a pencil, and much of your embroidery is drawing with stitches. “Pepper” (wonderful!) with its short, straight lines to create highlights and shadows could as easily be an embroidery with a single color thread using a series and overlays of short stitches.
I am so glad you made that connection by viewing these drawings David! That is indeed what I’ve been thinking lately – how the marks in drawing can relate so closely to stitches, and vice versa. It’s very exciting how each discipline feeds the other.
Pepper resonated w me too..also love your hands..and Lola pose..xo
Hey Ar — So glad you’re checking in…thanks for reading, and for the response!
These are lovely drawings. They are delicate and confident at the same time. I, too, paint daily small studies that are warm-ups for bigger things. Showing up is the key. Best not to disappoint your muse.
Hi Marie, Your words are much appreciated! I just found your blog and will look forward to really diving into it this evening…
Thanks so much for this post! David is absolutely spot on in his comment (no surprise)…this is exactly what I do only with my machine needle….I have always loved the lines and patterns I am able to create with it…it is a pencil with flow…
What a great way to phrase it: pencil with flow. And you have another aspect to consider since you have to figure out how to work within the boundaries of a machine…which you do so successfully!
Thanks for linking to the article. Stone’s comments about playful exploration and building are also really appropriate for artwork.
Hi Eve – I thought so too!