Yes – finally – I started drawing in my journal. At first, forcefully, interrupted by much staring at blank pages and without being able to translate any inspiration. Then, when Twitter pal @rdenker suggested I simply try focussing on things that I like (instead of turning to another glass of wine), without thinking too much and by just doing it. The result: nothing too complicated, mind-blowing or thought-provoking (which, naturally, is always the aim), but surprisingly it appeared to be a useful exercise.
As an artist one is expected to focus on “one” theme, perhaps a few sub-themes, work in “one” style and with “one” set of favourite materials. Despite having worked in branding – thus fully aware of the power of “one” very recognisable face – I struggle with this. Tremendously.
At the basis for my career change lies a rather extreme and overpowering need to be able to operate autonomously. Which translates into many things, but on top of my list that states: being able to be “completely me” in my work. And it just happens to be that I am a generalist, that I am interested in a zillion topics, that I am at my best when searching for the yet unknown (to me) and at my worst when I get bored; that I therefore have a serious issues with repetitional tasks and too much of the same thing.
However. Oddly, when not thinking too much and just doing the creating bit, certain things, themes and topics start to recur. Apparently, even I have subconscious preferences. To be continued…
Journal by Nathalie Graafland
