Sunday, March 9, 2014

EXPERIMENTATION: Should I Sketch?

It is our choices...that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities. 
~J. K. Rowling

Have you ever thought that maybe the universe is trying to send you a message?  The last couple of months, I have been thinking that someone is trying to tell me that I should be keeping a daily sketchbook journal.  

I have taken a few drawing/sketchbook classes, but it is something that does not ever quite stick with me.  Sure, when I am ready to create something, I sketch what I am going to do. I keep encountering lately is keeping a sketchbook of places/things encountered in  everyday life; when you are ready to create, go to your sketchbook for inspiration (What! I wouldn't be going to Pinterest anymore!?).

Besides the blogs that I follow, the first encounter of this was while I was watching Jean Littlejohn and Jan Beaney's video, In Stitches.  In this video, Jean and Jan show many lovely sketches from their travel journals and how they transform them into unbelievable embroideries.

The second encounter was found while I was reading the New Zealand Herald and found an article about British Fashion Designer, Zandra Rhodes. Below are two videos from Zandra Rhodes.  The first is all about her journals; it is interesting that she  uses rice paper because it is easier for her pens to flow. 


The second video shows how her sketches become reality in her clothing.  I love the the New York  skyscraper that became the pattern of a dress in her Beaded Collection from the 1980's.

Zandra Rhodes Drawing to Design

What an inspiring woman!

I am sure this method works and would help push my work to another level, but where do these people find the time to sketch?  I think may plate is already pretty full.  Secondly, I am not a proficient sketcher (yes, I know, practice makes perfect).  Here are some samples from my sketchbook:
  

I guess I will take JK Rowling's advice and not worry about my abilities, but choose to sketch and see where it takes me.  I will keep you posted.

Do you keep a sketchbook?  Do you sketch and use your sketches for inspiration? OR do you sketch as you get ready to create? (By the way- I have changed the setting on my blog so you do not have to be registered with Google to post comments)