Do you suffer from the terror of the perfect, blank sketchbook?

I know I sure do. I've got more than one really nice sketchbook with a just couple of good drawings in them. Drawings that I spent hours on and turned out really well. But then what happens? I bring WAY too much pressure to the page and end abandoning the rest of the sketchbook for fear of messing things up from there. Classic.

 

I've found one sure-fire way to lose the fear of the blank page is to use paper that's already been marked up. This can be a difficult mind-leap if you are used to heading to the art supply store for fresh blank sheets of paper (beautiful, crisp, white, and terrifying). I notice I’m more relaxed and bring much less expectation to the page when it's pre-marked. My approach to mark making absolutely loosens without the fear of messing things up.

 

Lately, I'm really into painting over my old "failed" botanical prints. These prints were part of my initial experiments phase and though they worked (they are strong prints) they never spoke to me as finished pieces. One day, in a mixed media mood, I decided to glue tissue paper over some sections of the prints. I loved the way it softened the prints and concealed certain areas. Later, I got a similar effect by simply applying gesso or chalk paint in areas to knock back the strongest sections and in the process, lay down a more gentle foundation to work upon. 

 

These prints were originally done on the cheapest 140 point watercolour paper I could get my hands on. Even cheap watercolour paper is quite decent these days, and the heavy weight means it can take a lot of abuse. So I decided to turn these knocked back prints into mini concertina sketchbooks because I love their long, folded format. I can now use these pre-marked sketchbooks as a starting point for new work. I made a video (just for my newsletter subscribers) to show you the process. Grab a cup of tea and click on the link below - it's just under 8 minutes long.

More inspiration on losing your fear of the blank page: 

 

Melanie Thompson is a friend and fellow basketry / mixed media artist. I love her approach to the sketchbook series she posts on instagram. She is fearless about reusing just about any paper surface to create on. Paper bags? Sure. Old magazines? Yup. Cardboard mailers? Check.

 

Also through Melanie, I recently discovered Old Book Revivalists. When you think of all the unloved old books our there, some of them on really lovely paper... it makes sense.

 

If you're just not into the pre-marked page idea, let me recommend someone who is definitely not afraid of the blank page - Pam Luer. I took a free on-line class from her at the beginning of the pandemic, and even though the class was way beyond my skill level at the time, she really helped me loosen up in my approach - just by watching and listening to her. If you peruse her Instagram feed you will find lots of great tips and hopefully you can revel vicariously in her fearless brushstrokes. 

I'm pleased to announce a selection of my botanical prints, hand-mounted onto wooden gallery panels, are now available at The Gallery at Matticks Farm in Saanich, BC. They also have a few free-standing sculptural basketry pieces.

Thinking about creativity, while the world is going to pieces can feel indulgent. But is it? 

 

There’s so much crumminess in the world right now, it's really easy to get overwhelmed and wonder what the heck is the point of being creative. I don't know about you, but in order to keep my spirits up I keep coming back to the basic idea that the fight for beauty and joy in the world is still meaningful. In times like these people need to be reminded to notice the little glimmers around them, to observe and cherish them. It’s absolutely a form of hope. So I keep working. Even if it only means my images or ideas can lighten someone else’s day, I feel it’s worth it. And sometimes making art can be cathartic even if it’s not beautiful.

 

At times like these, I look to others for inspiration. The inspirational quote may be an overused meme at this point, but sometimes if you dig into the origins of a quote it can reveal some interesting details.

 

“If I can’t dance, it’s not my revolution!”

The above quote is attributed to Emma Goldman, a fascinating women known for her feminist, anarchist activism. Born in the Russian Empire in 1869, she later emigrated to the USA. Apparently she never said these exact words, but she did express very similar, albeit wordier sentiments; When she was frowningly told that it did not behoove an agitator to dance, she responded with: 

 

"I did not believe that a Cause which stood for a beautiful ideal, for anarchism, for release and freedom from conventions and prejudice, should demand the denial of life and joy."

Emma Goldman

 

Here's a few more insights from people who express this stuff way better than I do...

 

"We must risk delight. We can do without pleasure, but not delight. Not enjoyment. We must have the stubbornness to accept our gladness in the ruthless furnace of this world. To make injustice the only measure of our attention is to praise the Devil."
Jack Gilbert

 

"It is rude not acknowledge your delights."

 Ross Gay

 

"Joy is an act of resistance."

Toi Derricotte

If you are new subscriber from the Wild Basketry Facebook group, I wish you a warm welcome. Some of my newsletters will be more like this one (general creativity rather than specific basketry methods) so I hope you enjoy this too. If you'd like to read the back issues where I share a bit more knowledge about natural materials, be sure to sign into my website to access them here. The website will ask you for a one-time login (create a new password), then it should remember you next time you visit. And do stay tuned for future newsletters that will feature more about foraging for natural materials. 

Until next time... we must risk delight!

 — Christi York

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