Slowing down and appreciating life
One of the things that I love about sketching is the fact that it slows you down, making you stop to look and appreciate the world around you...and especially the every day things that you often are too busy to notice.
Sketching and being an architect
As an architect sketching is the way that I think and communicate. I draw all the time when I am trying to solve a design problem – it is a almost a reflex action of my brain and the simple action of drawing over and over can reveal solutions. Once I have a solution I draw to explain what is in my head. But when I started sketching from life, I had to make a big switch - I had to stop and learn to look.
This stopping and looking has helped my design skills as an architect. The observation needed for sketching gives me insights into the mind of the original architect and the discoveries that I translate to paper seem to be permanently registered and inscribed into my memory for inspiration and re-interpretation in my own real life projects.
On location
I sketch anywhere, anytime but especially enjoy sketching on location. I thrive on sketching in outdoor conditions that can’t be controlled – hot, cold (not that we have real cold in Australia!) glary sun or rain, wind, insects, curious onlookers or uncomfortable seating arrangements. It is these variables that often lead to a more exciting and dynamic sketch than I would produce in the calm and controlled environment of a studio.
I am happy to sit down anywhere in order to get a sketch...on the pavement(sidewalk), on the side of a mountain...but naturally prefer the comfort of a good café (of course this includes a good cup of quality tea and some scones!)
Having fun Your own way
The most important thing for me is the excitement of really starting to ‘see’ the world around me. Often the visual exploration of an object or scene give me a real buzz – in a way, the resultant sketch is less important than this discovery although I think this excitement is often reflected in the sketch.
Also my sketchbook journal is the celebration of the little things in life – the everyday becomes special and worthy to record and it is a great way to realize how much we have to be thankful for – even in hard times.
The final thing is that my sketchbook is MINE – it is there for me to fill with sketches of the things I like, the things that I want to remember, the way I want to sketch or the way I want to develop my skills.
And because it is mine looking through these pages will reveal a few things about me - firstly I drink and sketch a lot of cups of tea, secondly I have a liking for sketching crazy over the top Baroque architecture...but thirdly and most importantly I am a Christian...I am leaving by far the best and most important thing in my life till last!! My 'religion' is not just something that I add on to my life by going to church once a week. I have a real relationship(don't really like that word but it is the best one) with my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I start every day with hearing from Him in His word (the Bible) and often record these thoughts in my book so that I can carry with me throughout the day. You will often see these on the side of my pages.
I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust...
Psalm 40:1-4
Posts
