19.1.12

for my father


Do you remember this book I was working on for my Dad, that I said I would share on my return?
I was reluctant to show it before in the unlikely chance he dropped by here…….I have a feeling none of my family stop by actually. (If any of you do, let me know!)
He loved it, by the way…….



It is always of interest to me how other artists work, and for me I find these days I rarely keep an actual sketchbook as such. Oh yes, I collect images that I pin on my studio wall or my computer and sometimes thumbnail out an idea but I prefer to allow pieces to evolve and take on a life of their own. I realise this is probably an appalling inefficient way of working and if it's true that time is money then no wonder I'm that typical struggling artist. But I find that things keep changing constantly because I have no final vision and I have to allow that to flow and unfold as I work. For me the process is the most enjoyable part of creating.
Although I don't keep a traditional sketchbook, I do scrawl notes either in my sketchbook, often as mind maps or larger maps and spider diagrams I can stick on the wall that I can add too. It's not unknown for me to leap out of bed in the night and scribble on one.
Whether you are an artist, photographer, crafter or designer do you have a particular way of working? Do you prefer to keep a sketchbook or go with the flow? Just being nosy but I'd love to know……
Also, I am delighted to be interviewed here about my film photography, so if you want to know how I work in that way too go take a look.

7 comments:

  1. Hi Susie!! I'm a 'crafter' (as you may know!!!)and seem to collect all sorts of things all the time, hoard them in lots of boxes waiting for the 'ping' in my head of how to use them!! I do love the 'Ta-Dah' moment when I do actually complete something though!!
    Lovely book, hope you had a good time and the 'party' went well!!
    x

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  2. I loved reading your interview and seeing your pictures..

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  3. Absolutely love this book for your Dad. I know what you mean about not being sure if your family read your blog. I'm pretty sure non of mine do! Haha...

    Well from a sewing point of view, I normally think it up in my head, normally in bed don't think I'm wacky but often in my dreams too) then just sketch it up and off I go.

    Fab interview by the way!!

    Lisa
    xx

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  4. I visit again and again homepages and blogs of photographers and look for inspiration. Or do I buy and look at picture books by great photographers. The inspiration and the things that I discover in my environment come together in a new image. That remains in my head and I try (haha, I try and create it often does not) to photograph the image.
    Sometimes I write stories. The storylines, the ideas for the peculiarities of the protagonists and little scenes that come to mind at once, I jot down in a notebook. Often I have in mind scenes that still match to any story. I note it down anyway, maybe I can use them later. So photography in mind, writing in the notebook.

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  5. It turned out lovely. As always. This means, that you always are working on something - that there is always something in progress. It must feel good to always know that you have something to finish, or a "purpose" if you can call it that. I love that you are stepping out of that established way of thinking about doing art, and that you are doing your own thing. It seems like this way of doing it suits you well, since you produce wonderful art!

    As I mentioned to you earlier, I like working on several project as well. Sometimes it's good to loosen up on some sketching and washing in my sketchbook to get away from that serious big painting I have waiting for me.

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  6. "I have a feeling none of my family stop by actually."

    I know the feeling! Although in my case, it's probably because I never invite them over.

    Sketchbooks keep my notes and sketches together and easy to carry around, so when given a choice I'll work stuff out in a book.

    I still read your blog even though I don't comment that often :)

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  7. your book is absolutely gorgeous, such a precious gift !!
    this is inspiring me to make something like that with my photographs :)

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