Splatters of Clay

One of the most common uses of line is to define shape. We can draw circles, squares, triangles, etc. it gets really interesting when we begin drawing contour lines. I have always thought of contour lines as the outline of something. Out of curiosity I looked up the definition and found it interesting. One definition said, "a line connecting points of equal elevation." This is of course referring to contour lines on a map, but if we take the idea and apply it to drawing it makes one think. Contour lines when grouped together are meant to show elevation changes or depth, but a single contour line is actually flat. When we look at contour line in drawing as the outline of something, it is flat. It's a silhouette. There is no space, no depth. Despite this lack of depth, a well drawn contour line will still define the shape and communicate ideas, and even emotion. And of course you play with perception in fun ways. This optical illusion is a classic for teaching perspective...

I am a doodler. Many people are. The human mind is so amazing. It processes information so fast, far faster then we can often receive it, especially if it is someone talking at us. I personally get fidgety and bored very easily. I do not claim ADHD or anything, my mind just likes to wander. The only way I survived the humdrum of high school was through doodling either with pen/pencil and paper or my preferred method, through clay. I almost always carried clay with me where ever I went, even in college. Even today, if I have to attend a training or long meeting, I will doodle and in some rare cases I will even bring clay or wax and make little sculptures. It is fun, relaxing, and I actually learn better if I can keep my hands busy. Many presenters and teacher have marveled at my ability to retain information, provide valuable insite, activily engage even while my hands flutter around a piece of clay continually molding it into something of beauty. To all you doodlers out there, do not s...

I have recently begun a study of wealth and am starting on the path to change my own personal wealth. I have discovered that despite all logic, a fear of wealth and success overwelms me. As I study and see the real possibilities of becoming rich, I begin to feel nervous and fearful to the point of total shut down. I can not move or act. It is now my task to explore this newly discovered fear through writing and drawing in an attempt to overcome the fear and act dispite the nervousness. My life will not be controled by fear. I have lived that way before and nothing good ever comes from alife determined by fear, in fact in most cases it leads to self distruction.

This week I am working nights, which is normally when I post. You will not get much out of me tonight, but I am ok with that. I am going to bed.

Not everything in life needs to be complicated, in fact nothing needs to be complicated. Today I am making my entry simple and commit to finding more simplicity in my life. Especialy in my artwork.

It is harder then I thought it would be to post on my Blog every day. It is especially hard to take the time to draw every day. In time it will get easier, not that the thing itself will get easier, but my capacity to do it will get easier. If you are frustrated or stuck with your art, just keep doing it anyway. Turn it into a game. If nothing else focus on parts of the body. I personally love feet and hands.