A break - From Inklines and much more!

February 11, 2013 | 3 Comments

A lot of you might be thinking “So what’s the John Dory??”

Ok, most of you are probably NOT thinking in Australian rhyming slang…in fact I don’t much either but John Dory (an Australian fish) is slang for ‘story”… oh dear, I am off track already!… lets go back.

Many of you are probably watching my Blog/Flickr/Facebook and wondering why my art has changed and why my lamy pen has been neglected … but also more importantly, why I am having so much time off (vacation?) this summer and why I haven’t mentioned the word WORK for a while.

Well, I don’t really have an answer to the first question as such… but here goes….

Ever since I got back from my trip to the Dominican Republic and New York in July I have been in the mood for experimenting and trying something different. I felt that trip that I had done the ‘obsessive sketching while travelling’- thing to death and using the same sketchbook with ink and watercolour meant my sketching was in danger of getting stuck in a holding pattern. I constantly want to improve and develop and so I started a period of experimentation, using different sketchbooks, and media (markers). I have a vague hazy vision of what I want my work to be… and that was the best way I could think of to try to find out how to get there.

Obviously my time in Singapore and more recently my beach sketching have had a big impact (I do plan to analyse these more in the future). I am just as surprised as many of you are that I am now using pencils!!!! I haven’t gone out of my way to lose my inklines but it has happened and in a way it is somewhat symbolic of the answer to the other question.

Someone left a comment recently on my blog… “You seem to have left some part of your architectural nature at home – less sketching more painting”. That is in fact a very insightful comment as….

My BIG news is that I am having a break from working as an architect – a sabbatical, a career break… call it what you will. Obviously there is a long story behind making this huge decision… I loved my job, the work, the guys I worked with, my clients etc etc  but for some reasons that I won’t bore you with, I needed to take a break. My life was getting a little out of control so I am giving myself 6 months of no pressure – to try to slow down and at the same time explore some ideas and even follow a few dreams and see where I end up. It is certainly not my intention long term to abandon ‘architecture’  or stop being an ‘architect’ but I am sure a little time out is going to do me and my love of architecture a lot of good!

Anyway, I will be sharing my adventures with you all online…. so stay tuned. I have SO many things bouncing around in my head at the moment of what I could and want to do….and already have things popping up!

As you all know, I am a Christian and start everyday (whether I post my notes or not) reading God’s word and spending time with Him. In many special ways He has lead me to this decision and although it might seem ‘brave’ to have a break and leave a secure job I have been overwhelmed by support all around. None of us know what is around the corner, the most secure position can be shaken in a moment by the uncertainty of the economy, illness or tragedy, so I live every day knowing this, and looking forward to my security in heaven in the next life.  My theme for this year more than ever is

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Proverbs 3.5-6 

3 Comments

  • MiataGrrl says:

    I had been envying all the vacation time you seemed to have! Congrats on your "sabbatical." I did something similar 10 years ago, completely changed my life, and have never looked back. Only good can come from this! Best wishes.

    – Tina

  • Hwee says:

    I took a sabbatical from work more than 10 years ago and it totally changed my life. I can't say it's 'better' from a commercial sense, but my life has definintely taken on a totally different meaning. All the best with your journey and I very much look forward to seeing your new plans unrevealing.

  • Liz Steel says:

    so helpful and encourging to hear your comments Tina and Hwee! thank you!

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