Process Update

Since last month's update, I have been working simultaneously on a large-scale charcoal drawing and a series of small chalk drawings. I plan on doing more of this in the future and comparing how the exact same drawing changes when created in two different ways - one as white on black and the other as black on white. The different mindset it takes to build up the light when starting with darkness compared to creating shadows when starting with light is fascinating for me. The large scale of the current charcoal drawing is taking a long time to complete and I am only about 1/3 of the way through. So far it looks nothing like what I am imagining it will look like when finished.

Unfinished charcoal drawing 

I am not sure if I will finish this drawing before leaving for Iceland but what I do know is that when it is finished I am looking forward to punching holes into it as a form of destructive creation. I am also contemplating the idea of leaving the charcoal unfixed and placing it on the ground for people to walk all over - I'm not sure why but it seems like it may be a fun way to deal with the work. It could also be interesting to have plain paper around the outside of the drawing so that people can walk the charcoal off this paper and onto the clean paper showing the creation of another more random drawing that comes directly from the more considered form of drawing. I like the ephemeral nature of this idea and its connection to destruction and creation, cycles, movement from one form to another, death and rebirth.

The other thing I have been working on this month is a plan(ish) for Iceland - I don't want to be too confined or rigid and would prefer to be open to the possibilities that present themselves there, however, I think a daily practice of small creative projects and rituals could be valuable. Also, I still haven't decided on my three book to take - I keep thinking maybe I won't take any books - I can't imagine that will be very enjoyable but maybe thats all the more reason not to. However, imagine getting to this extremly remote location and going, " I really wish I had a book to read!" ...That wouldn't be very fun.