Sitting down to write or draw is like starting out on a strange little adventure. You start at one place, put down some words or a few lines and after a while you usually end up someplace completely different. Most times when I site to write I don't have the feeling of having anything to say, and then I go off on a few random tangents, (an anecdote about my day, relate a quote) and find that there was something in there that really wanted to come out. An opinion, a peeve, a fear. See, a quote just came into my head on this very thing, let me see if I can find it in the journal...oh yes,
"I never know what I think about something until I read what I've written on it." -William Faulkner
That one has the effect of turning up the corner of your mouth.
I might have mentioned this one before, I read somewhere that if you want to want to write about something, an object say, start at the other side of the room and slowly make your way over to it. I like that. It has a nice wandering feel to it, no pressure, just taking in a few sights along the way. Where you will end up, no one can say.
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Since the handbag theme was such a hit I thought you might also like the shoe project. (link via my dad)
Posted by kerismith at January 27, 2004 12:28 PMlike everyone here, i feel the same too. in fact, i think it's very true that you dont know what you're really thinking until you actually start writing. sometimes i start on something mundane and minute and end up ranting about some big philosophical issue i had no idea i had any opinion on.
but thats just me :P
I share your thoughts. I find a bit hard sometimes to make the time for my art, I work as designer full time, I'm a mommy of town plus a wife, etc, etc...But I now understand how important is for me to do my art, to live my dream so I can be a better person to those I love. By the way, I'm attending HOW conference and I'm signing up for your workshop!! Whohoo! (Could you autograph your book for me) :-)
Posted by: Mabelle on January 28, 2004 08:49 PMVery very true. I love the feeling of sitting down to write something, and seeing it evolve into something else altogether, usually richer and better.
That's why I think the morning pages are such an interesting technique... I should start writing them again!
Posted by: clotilde on January 28, 2004 06:59 AMToo right! Often I sit by my computer and my mind goes blank - what to write? It's refreshing not to have a target to talk about - just wander inside your memories...
Posted by: Anna C. on January 28, 2004 06:47 AMlately I've only been sitting down to write when I've had something to say - when I've been walking around the house and something suddenly downloads into my head . . . but I wonder what would happen if I just sat at my keyboard or journal and just waited . . . hmmm . . . I'm off to do it now! Thanks for the inspiration . . :)
Posted by: Katherine on January 27, 2004 07:15 PM