My 12 Week project

I often tell people that I make art for fun. That’s not strictly true, but it’s an easy way to sidestep deeper conversations about my art as a form of work. In truth, I don’t always find creating fun. Drawing and printmaking feel more like something I have to do, like breathing. It might sound dramatic, but when I go too long without drawing, I start to crave it, the challenge, the frustration and the strange satisfaction of pulling something out of a blank page. I make art because I need to. It helps me feel like myself. Still, it’s simpler to say, “I do it for fun.” 

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about how I might shape a small body of work with purpose. So, I set myself a goal: 12 weeks.

Now, 12 weeks later, I’m glad I did. I put aside two evenings each week to make something in my sketchbook.

Some weeks, I gave myself little challenges, such as visiting an exhibition or joining a new life drawing group. It was a bit jam-packed, but it sparked something new, curiosity, mostly. I also set broader goals, like experimenting with different materials and completing an A2 piece.

The final challenge I gave myself turned out to be the hardest: sharing my work with others. Fortunately, that week coincided with my local sketchbook social, and so I went along. When people asked to see my work, I hesitantly handed over my sketchbook, but eventually realised it was not as awful as I had feared. It felt like the piece I’d been missing: community. A space to talk, to share and to listen. I left with a list of suggested sketchbooks, pencils, and new cafes to explore, and more importantly, I have a renewed trust in my creativity.

As for my 12 weeks, I still have a few days left. So far, I’ve filled my sketchbook and finished my coloured pencil A2 poster, much to my amazement.

I’m already making plans to start the process again, with a clearer sense of what works to keep me on the path of learning.

I’m really proud of myself for turning the need to create into something tangible. Earlier this year, I struggled with creative block, and it feels good to have moved through it.

I wanted to share this little ramble for anyone who might need a nudge to try something new, or to go beyond the occasional scribble, or to take a leap toward community and connection.

Be kind to yourself,

Martha

The Imposter and the Illustrator

A few nights ago, I attended an event where I couldn’t stop laughing whenever someone asked if I was an illustrator.

In the presence of so many people with impressive skills and creative careers, I felt like an imposter.

I couldn’t bring myself to say out loud that I am an illustrator—yet I have no trouble labelling myself that way at work.

This week, I’ve taken some time to remind myself that yes, I am an illustrator—among other creative roles—and yes, I deserve to say it out loud, even in front of inspiring people.

It helps me to know that other creative folk face issues, even if they differ from my experience.

I like returning to this Rebecca Green post, to remind me to get back to drawing and back to analogue inspiration.

Have you ever struggled with a form of imposter syndrome? What gets you through the crap times?

My journey with art

I have an intrinsic relationship with art; however, at times, I fall into the rut of not creating anything.

To combat this, I’m relaunching my blog to use when I can’t find inspiration and of course, you’re welcome to join me on this journey.

This week, my inspiration came from meeting a bookshop cat and learning how to knit socks for the first time.

I hope you’re all well, both old and new readers. Do let me know what you’re enjoying or making this week.