Following the Line

I have read about authors who when starting a novel don’t know how it will end. The characters lead the way and the author follows. 

For many years I approached all my art projects from an agenda of perfection. I had an image in my mind and when I did not render that image exactly on the paper, I considered it a failure. Now I come to each project with a loose idea and curiosity. This allows me to follow the lines to where they need to go. Much like the author who does not know how the novel is going to end. I am never exactly sure how a piece will turn out. 

The lesson of trusting myself and the process came about organically in the fall of 2024 while on a 48-hour sabbatical of me in Montreal. It was late in the day when a yellow Cadillac convertible pulled to a stop in front of an old brick building across the street from me. Working from a agenda of perfection I began to sketch the car. I also wanted to include the red brick of the building and the musicians in the bar. The car never matched the perfection agenda in my mind and I was certain the drawing would be failure. In that moment, I let go. I allowed myself to follow the lines to a semi-true story. The result was a drawing that turned out to be one of my favorites from the trip.

On the final page of the sketchbook, I wrote; Look! See the last drawing! Have faith in your ability, the process and yourself!