Doodle-icious

 

 I used to draw all the time when I was little. 

And somewhere along the line, I forgot that I knew how.  In fact, I had quite convinced myself that I couldn't draw.  How does that happen?  At what point in our "growing up" do we lose the little kid who knows how to have fun with markers and paint? 

 

I don't know the answers to these questions, but I'm tickled pink to have been reintroduced to my inner draw-er (read 'a person who draws', not 'where you put your socks').  She's having a blissful time in the studio these days, drawing and doodling to her heart's content.

 

And now I'm sort of getting the whole idea behind art journals.  Because I'm taking some of these doodles, and applying them other places.  The ideas are really coming at me at full throttle right now.  In fact, I have so many ideas, I'm feeling a little overwhelmed.  It's like that, though, isn't it?  Creativity is sometimes a feast or famine sort of thing.  I find that sometimes there's not a new idea in sight.  I don't feel like working on any of my current projects, but don't have the energy or imagination to think up something new.  So, I just stitch, or cut and paste, or whatever...something to keep my hands busy...something to fulfill the urge to create, even when I'm not feeling that creative.

 

Then, there are other times, when I can hardly wait to get into the studio.  So many ideas, so much energy!  But when I get there, I have so much energy and so many ideas that I don't know where to start.  Ack!

 

I do wish I could find a happy medium, a blissful balance.  It feels a little manic.  During those periods, it sometimes feels good just to sit down and doodle.  It sort of calms me down.  Slows the energy to a manageable rate, one where I can create and not feel so...umm...crazy.  Because that's how it feels.  Like sort of a creative lunacy!  As if my life depends on getting it out and onto paper or canvas or fabric or whatever medium feels right that day. 

 

And that's the other thing.  I have so many things I love doing.  I love fabric.  I love paint.  I love fibers and yarn.  I love paper and found objects.  I find that I'm in a spot right now where I really am having trouble with focus.  I'm like the little silver ball in the pinball machine, zing-ing from one thing to the next, never getting anything finished, lots of projects started, ideas drafted, but nothing finished.  It's a little frustrating, but I'm trying to honor that process, too, because I think it has something to teach me.  I don't know.  It's so hard to explain, but I gotta tell you, it sure feels good to get it out there into the ether.  :)

 

So, Ether, thanks for listening to my little "purge on the page" session.  Take two aspirin and call me in the morning.

Comments

[Juanita]

Ohhhh, there's hope for me yet! I L-O-V-E your doodles, and they do have a tendency to inspire so many other things! Like quilting patterns and such. Harness the craziness and enjoy the ride.

[sharon]

I totally get what you are saying, since I have those same feeling. It's sometimes so hard channeling your creative energy when you want to do so many things. But I have to tell you, your doodling is fabulous. Whatever you're doing, it's working.

[ArtsyMama]

LOVE these pages!! I haven't found my inner doodler yet. Maybe she needs some coaxing:)
Kari

[Deborah Dee]

Hello Tammy...I have just discovered your blog (I'm sure I'm the LAST one)....and now I want to highlight, copy, paste & plagiarize this post! Cuz it's totally me. Keep it up - and thank you for sharing!

[Kristin]

I am loving these pages. *SWOON*!!!! :)

[Jennifer]

everything I mean everything incredible!!