Sketchy Sketchbooks

 I have struggled with the dreaded sketchbook. For many, many years I was far too fussy, far too concerned with what I thought an artist's sketchbook should look like. I still struggle and that's where the pledge comes in; I will be signing one too.

During one of our first classes together I will share with you my sketchbooks from high school right on through to my current ones - trust me when I say some of this will be embarrassing. In my case what you will see is a gradual progression towards more text. This is because of the nature of my current practice - text and scribbles seem to work best for me. Of course, this is not to say that drawing (taken in its broadest sense) is not critically important when I am attempting to communicate my ideas. There is a reason why our curriculum places such emphasis on time spent drawing.

Your sketchbook will be different from mine, different from your classmates, and it should be. We all come at this crazy endeavor from different places. That's part of what makes art worthwhile and important.

With respect to the sad reality of having to assign a mark for this component of your program. I only ask that you show up both physically and emotionally, make use of your class time, complete class and homework assignments and remain open minded.

The pledge is about committing to the tasks assigned and cutting yourself some slack in terms of what you think a sketchbook should look like. If everything in your sketchbook is perfect, you are not pushing yourself. It should be a record of your learning. If it is working, it is necessarily imperfect.

If you are struggling with this, see me. I have been there. I am still there.


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