Bonjour-Bonjour,
About thirteen years ago, in the midst of chemotherapy, I took a drawing class. Iād had a bi-lateral mastectomy. I was so tired. Tired of being scared, tired of having been reduced to āpatient.ā So, I signed up for a class at The Drawing Studio. And, my good-sport-husband signed up too (by the way, his portrait of John Malkovich slayed!). The class was perfect for taking me out of my life for a couple hours every week, but I remember nothing. It remains part of the vague and mysterious stew that was my life at that time.
Now, all these years later, I am in the same classroom, drawing again. Iāve been through the crap-of-illness as well as the crap-of-life stuff we all experience. This time I find myself profoundly moved by what I am learning. I certainly wonāt have my own gallery opening EVER, but I am having my own personal opening!
Iāve got wisdom about how to approach creative work from accomplished and smart artists, such as Corita Scott, Richard Diebenkorn, and Rick Rubin. As well as my own list of ideas and advice culled from the class.
13 Things Iām learning about writing in my drawing class:
First off, accept that I suck. Itās part of the whole experience. I am allowed to suck at writing too. My job is to approach the blank notebook with the same generosity with which I approach the blank sketch book. Do you allow yourself to suck at something?
Give myself time. If I am four years old and I really really want to get a driverās license, well too bad for me. I have to wait until my legs grow long enough to reach the pedals. If I want to be a good draw-er, I have to wait until my seeing and my making grow good enough as well. Same with writing.
Recognize the difference between our critical eye vs. our making eye.
Sunday Jewels are a benefit for paid subscribers. Paid subscribers also may participate in our r.w.e. book groups. We meet one Sunday per month and weāre a lively bunch. Authors often join! Weāve had Patrick Ryan, Heather Aimee OāNeill, Kelli Russell Agodon, and this summer Beth Ann Fennelly will spend a morning with us!
Thank you in advance for sharing your love!
