This week has been a storm of appointments and to-dos. I have managed to make a YouTube video flipping through my completed abstract sketchbook. I am really proud of this little book, and have started a new insert for my travelers notebook to continue exploring.
I’ve been spending a fair amount of time listening to audiobooks as I have returned to being in the car quite often. What better time than to ponder the mysteries of our universe? Currently on Encounters by D.W. Pasulka after finishing American Cosmic. Spiritually speaking, these texts have been illuminating. I’m having a bit of fun diving into some of my more fringe interests. It has helped me to pass the time as I make art and continue to figure out how to keep house.
The opening pages of this sketchbook insert found me drawing a face, probably one of my favorite things to draw (always). I’ve been enjoying the Caran D’ache neocolors and the mess I can make with them. I hoped the layer of purple, pink, black would help to provide dimension to this very serious girl portrait. I was not disappointed. I also have a lot of fun papers to play with (and bits of ripped canvas) so as you a see, I filled the space with shapes and colors and patterns.
Altogether, I think it turned out rather well. The face is giving a vibe of wearing eclipse glasses. Golds, yellows and neon pink dominate as well. It gives my inner child a little thrill to see such bold colors come together. A reminder that I don’t have to bend my body to meet the shape someone else assigns me.
Now that I go back to look at her eyes, they do have a bit of an angry look to them. Or is it determination? Is this a self-portrait? Is this a portrait of myself from an unknown future? What shapes have I been bending into, breaking myself apart bit by bit?
These are some questions I shall think about as I lay down the foundation layers on the next pages. Perhaps you can think on them as well? Share in the comments if you wish. I’d love a conversation on how we compromise our wholeness for the sake of everyone else. Feels like quite a relevant topic these days.
I would also like to share that zines are restocked in the shop, and trades are available through my DMs. I have a new video available as well, which I already mentioned. I’m stuck in the aftermath of eclipse energy which, along with other things in my life, has me feeling rather existential. I supposed that is to be expected when our life becomes entwined with death, at least more so than it always is anyways.
Oh, I also made a fun printable for y’all.
I’d also love if you shared what you’re creating today. Drop in the comments how you’re communing with your creativity. Let’s have a chat.
Until next time,
Rikki