Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Back at it

Working on my solo exhibit:

This week I've finally dove into putting my concepts onto my drawing surfaces. After months of sketching thumbnails, reading, writing, finding random quotes... I rolled out my Mylar and cut three large sheets (36" x 40").  Side note: I definitely purchased the entire store supply of this stuff last time I was in one of Toronto's Curry's art supply stores. Whoops! (...it is hard to come by in large format here.)

It is crazy how thrilling and nervous this makes me. But as usual the first initial line drawing is the hardest to commit to, once it is done it feels much better! It is nice to be drawing larger scale again and I am reminded of the first time I jumped into a project like this.  It was when I barely knew what I was doing with my life. Having moved to a new city for one reason or another and having it all turn upside down overnight.  Yet, it would not have gotten me to try and apply for an artist residency that I felt I was overly under-qualified to get into. But I thought, why not? Somehow the jury saw potential in me and let me work in and occupy a downtown studio space where I could explore a dream to draw BIG. I never really tried to draw 'like that' before that opportunity. And don't get me wrong, the experience did have some serious ups and downs, I am incredibly grateful for it. If curious here is an old blog post from that time in my life.

What's changed? Well I'm more self-assured.  I didn't really realize this until I started the drawing above.  I'm making less tentative pencil marks, I'm really going for it this time :)
(Let's hope my nerves don't get the better of me!)