I mainly draw...but my mind is trying to lure me into writing things...even if I have this strong feeling that my writing is crap ...will I cross the line, will I dare writing something?
I really think the 2 are linked...I just need to find what's binding them😁
I loved reading this particularly because both of my kids love to draw (and also write stories), but my younger kid, who finds your work inspiring, also started inventing an hieroglyphic-type language to go along with a new style of drawing they came up with for themselves earlier this year. I guess it's what you're talking about in action, in a way!
Words, to me, also have shape and weight--heft. Their meanings aren't two-dimensional. All languages are multi-dimensional, it's just that most of them get smothered under centuries of standardization.
I was recently trying to think about how to describe my personal feelings of professional jealousy. As in, what the physical experience is. What keeps coming up is a triangle of indirect sunlight cast on a wall through a window. How to explain that?! Who knows! But it feels accurate to me.
Antonia, so lovely to hear about the little one making up a symbolic language. That will be interesting progress to follow!
We are living in such accelerated times that we can actually observe how younger generations take words and imbue them with new meaning. Machine interactions and text communications have also changed so much so quickly.
I think sometimes about how our text heavy culture imagines a lack of words to be meaningless. I.e if you can't find the words to describe a thing, it is no longer real. But a triangle of light cast on a wall is a very real image. And I think we will be better humans if we embrace the languages outside of words.
“We will be better humans if we embraces the languages outside of words” — absolutely agree! And of course that becomes clearer when you’re trying to communicate in a place where you don’t speak the language.
I have similar tensions between writing and drawing/painting. Especially before I started painting abstracts (was doing detailed line drawings), writing took whatever was left of my exhausted self. So, I left those words buried in my heart. Recently, after a season of being more liberated with my art creation, I started missing writing. I would love to have a comfortable balance between both.
Glad to hear that you feel more comfortable with your art process, Melinda. The switch from line drawing to abstract must be quite profound! What do you think your balance between words and art might look like?
I'm also forever thinking about just blogging. Different from newslettering. (Of course, that's a legit word!). I missed those old-school days when writing was simpler. And not packaged as—content. So, either I will just write on my hopemail and not emailed them out, or focus on my blog on my art website. Still forever thinking at the mo.
I think newsletter-ing can be anything you want it to be. Email is such a personal communication, and I think you should be able to make it as simple and direct and informal as a blog! But I can understand if it feel tough to make that decision with a 'readership'. Sometimes it just becomes easier knowing there is no audience.
Yeah. I'm caught in the vicious cycle of trapping myself to stick to a niche and end up not writing anything. Coz, my random thoughts sometimes come in a rapid succession, then, silence. I'm concerned the readers will not appreciate being bombarded with emails.
That is a fair concern. I think it is important to respect the readers' time and our own space in their lives. I always think it is a good idea to write a lot more than you share. I have notebooks full of thoughts and half-articulated posts that never go out to anyone. Conversations with self!
For the words to be happy standing alone in my Apple Notes. Happy to be just one word. Happy to dance with my artwork. I can't attach photos here, but if this link can work, here’s an example of how I incorporated something I wrote on my Apple Note a couple of years back into my painting. https://www.instagram.com/p/C-YO4bQt4R5/?igsh=bHFib2R3bjZzMHk3
The booth was a fun experience! I needed to do in person things, and I met lots of people. It wasn't the kind of money I would have liked, but I think there will be a long term payoff of showing up for these things. 😊
I applaud your courage. It’s good you enjoy meeting in person. That's an experience you can't replace. Yes, showing up matters. A lot. Keep going, my friend. 💪🏼
I think it depends on what is first for you. I think words are first for me. I think about a lot of things while drawing. And afterwards the drawing gives me more thoughts. If I spend time with these thoughts in my head, they become things to write. Then I try to see which words are necessary and which are duplicating the drawing itself. One can talk about process (but I try not to), or mood, or idea. I try to think about what would matter to someone that does not know my work and is not an artist either.
Funny you should ask. I am in the process of launching a substack profile which will combine my love of drawing with my love of reading and writing. My paintings I continue to share on Instagram. Retired ten years ago, I structure my days around these activities.
I write but don't do much drawing. I think we tend to get more comfortable in one domain and then keep going in it instead of maintaining two areas. But it's definitely something to try. I salute you!
I love the way you draw figures with the fountain pen. They are reminiscent of ADT 's work in The New Yorker. Not since Keith Haring's work emerged in NYC in the 1980s had I seen anyone draw recognizable people, etc, in such a minimalistic, unique way. I like how your work is similar to ADT's but different in many ways. Hard to explain. If you said you never heard of ADT I would not be surprised.
I'm grateful I was suggested your page. Your work is personal vis poignant, fun, filled with so much of your love for life--- big smile.
I look forward to going through your Substack and learning more about your journey.
And thank you for sharing your journey with us all!
PS I'm grateful you are drawing full time. There is nothing like making a living doing what you love!
Thank you so much for the kind words. I just looked up ADT haha! Maybe one day I can be in the New Yorker too. I am so glad to hear from you and it is wonderful to have a space in your inbox!
I mainly draw...but my mind is trying to lure me into writing things...even if I have this strong feeling that my writing is crap ...will I cross the line, will I dare writing something?
I really think the 2 are linked...I just need to find what's binding them😁
It's a good question to face, and little answers, or hints, might help you find your way!
I loved reading this particularly because both of my kids love to draw (and also write stories), but my younger kid, who finds your work inspiring, also started inventing an hieroglyphic-type language to go along with a new style of drawing they came up with for themselves earlier this year. I guess it's what you're talking about in action, in a way!
Words, to me, also have shape and weight--heft. Their meanings aren't two-dimensional. All languages are multi-dimensional, it's just that most of them get smothered under centuries of standardization.
I was recently trying to think about how to describe my personal feelings of professional jealousy. As in, what the physical experience is. What keeps coming up is a triangle of indirect sunlight cast on a wall through a window. How to explain that?! Who knows! But it feels accurate to me.
Antonia, so lovely to hear about the little one making up a symbolic language. That will be interesting progress to follow!
We are living in such accelerated times that we can actually observe how younger generations take words and imbue them with new meaning. Machine interactions and text communications have also changed so much so quickly.
I think sometimes about how our text heavy culture imagines a lack of words to be meaningless. I.e if you can't find the words to describe a thing, it is no longer real. But a triangle of light cast on a wall is a very real image. And I think we will be better humans if we embrace the languages outside of words.
“We will be better humans if we embraces the languages outside of words” — absolutely agree! And of course that becomes clearer when you’re trying to communicate in a place where you don’t speak the language.
I have similar tensions between writing and drawing/painting. Especially before I started painting abstracts (was doing detailed line drawings), writing took whatever was left of my exhausted self. So, I left those words buried in my heart. Recently, after a season of being more liberated with my art creation, I started missing writing. I would love to have a comfortable balance between both.
Glad to hear that you feel more comfortable with your art process, Melinda. The switch from line drawing to abstract must be quite profound! What do you think your balance between words and art might look like?
I'm also forever thinking about just blogging. Different from newslettering. (Of course, that's a legit word!). I missed those old-school days when writing was simpler. And not packaged as—content. So, either I will just write on my hopemail and not emailed them out, or focus on my blog on my art website. Still forever thinking at the mo.
I think newsletter-ing can be anything you want it to be. Email is such a personal communication, and I think you should be able to make it as simple and direct and informal as a blog! But I can understand if it feel tough to make that decision with a 'readership'. Sometimes it just becomes easier knowing there is no audience.
Yeah. I'm caught in the vicious cycle of trapping myself to stick to a niche and end up not writing anything. Coz, my random thoughts sometimes come in a rapid succession, then, silence. I'm concerned the readers will not appreciate being bombarded with emails.
That is a fair concern. I think it is important to respect the readers' time and our own space in their lives. I always think it is a good idea to write a lot more than you share. I have notebooks full of thoughts and half-articulated posts that never go out to anyone. Conversations with self!
Agreed!
For the words to be happy standing alone in my Apple Notes. Happy to be just one word. Happy to dance with my artwork. I can't attach photos here, but if this link can work, here’s an example of how I incorporated something I wrote on my Apple Note a couple of years back into my painting. https://www.instagram.com/p/C-YO4bQt4R5/?igsh=bHFib2R3bjZzMHk3
Link isn't working 🫤 but I completely see your point!
Yikes! But yay! How do you manage both? By the way, saw the photo in your newsletter, how did the art booth go?
The booth was a fun experience! I needed to do in person things, and I met lots of people. It wasn't the kind of money I would have liked, but I think there will be a long term payoff of showing up for these things. 😊
I applaud your courage. It’s good you enjoy meeting in person. That's an experience you can't replace. Yes, showing up matters. A lot. Keep going, my friend. 💪🏼
I think it depends on what is first for you. I think words are first for me. I think about a lot of things while drawing. And afterwards the drawing gives me more thoughts. If I spend time with these thoughts in my head, they become things to write. Then I try to see which words are necessary and which are duplicating the drawing itself. One can talk about process (but I try not to), or mood, or idea. I try to think about what would matter to someone that does not know my work and is not an artist either.
Thanks for sharing. Always fascinating to hear how different artists work.
Funny you should ask. I am in the process of launching a substack profile which will combine my love of drawing with my love of reading and writing. My paintings I continue to share on Instagram. Retired ten years ago, I structure my days around these activities.
That's lovely!
I write but don't do much drawing. I think we tend to get more comfortable in one domain and then keep going in it instead of maintaining two areas. But it's definitely something to try. I salute you!
It is fun to put them in conversation with each other!
“Put them in conversation with each other.” 🫶🏼✨
I did this when I was getting a degree in art therapy but not since. I think it would be a good idea to resurrect. Daily art practice.
A daily art practice can be so nurturing and fulfilling. Great idea!
I love the way you draw figures with the fountain pen. They are reminiscent of ADT 's work in The New Yorker. Not since Keith Haring's work emerged in NYC in the 1980s had I seen anyone draw recognizable people, etc, in such a minimalistic, unique way. I like how your work is similar to ADT's but different in many ways. Hard to explain. If you said you never heard of ADT I would not be surprised.
I'm grateful I was suggested your page. Your work is personal vis poignant, fun, filled with so much of your love for life--- big smile.
I look forward to going through your Substack and learning more about your journey.
And thank you for sharing your journey with us all!
PS I'm grateful you are drawing full time. There is nothing like making a living doing what you love!
: )
Thank you so much for the kind words. I just looked up ADT haha! Maybe one day I can be in the New Yorker too. I am so glad to hear from you and it is wonderful to have a space in your inbox!
Thank you Nishant… you gave me ideas and encouragement. This is something I’ll keep in mind. You also lifted my mind with a positive vibe.
Love the flow of this post. I’d never quite thought of words and illustrations this way before.
Thank you Amie! It's worth a ponder!