In one of my last posts, I said that I'd be focusing my energy on creating enjoyable holidays for my friends and family. Little did I know how long a break I would be taking. Around that time a number of health and family issues forced themselves into the spotlight, demanding my full energy and attention.
I've spent countless hours on the road and in various waiting rooms that devoured the time I might otherwise have spent at my desktop. In order to remain creative, I packed a sketchbook into my bag and took it with me everywhere. Coincidentally, one of my Christmas gifts was a book on a popular "zen" style of doodling, often called "tangles." Since I badly needed to reduce my stress levels during this time, it filled the creative void better than anything else could have.
I'd like to share some of my favorites here:
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I do wish that some of these had come out neater, but as I mentioned, most were done with a sketchpad on my lap, often with other people crowded near me.
After drawing in this method for a while, I began noticing patterns--sometimes the very same patterns--used in everyday material goods like housewares and clothing. While I haven't made up my mind to incorporate this method into my style as it develops, it's opened my eyes to more possibilities.
While the worst seems to be over for now (I hope!), my distractions have not gone away or diminished enough for me to get back to my previous schedule. However, I will try to begin posting new efforts again. I wish health and peace to all who read this.
Thanks for visiting, and please come again!