I find that my stress levels drop dramatically if I take the time to draw carefully from nature...I posted this originally in our Sketching in Nature blog in the summer of 2009, when we were going through a very stressful period indeed, with Joseph's mother in the last stages of dementia. Long phone calls, both from her and from his sister happened several times a day, always with the upset of the day. I found that my journal was my best friend (after Joseph!) during that period...as calming as meditation.
Of course if you've been a longtime reader of this blog, you know about the fantasy journal I kept during that period, too! Journaling and humor are terrific tools for handling life's challenges!
I've always loved cicadas--their sounds, their abandoned amber husks, the lacy wings of the adults. This page even has a time-lapse video of an emergent cicada--and this one tells some interesting facts about the noisy summer creature.
Totally agree, helps to survive. Like this page very much. Thank you very much for being such an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteI think that's the most important function of mine, Nik...that and helping me to really experience my life, not just let the days slip away unnoticed.
DeleteDo you ever burn out, Kate? Where you just need to step away from sketching for a period to rejuvenate?
ReplyDeleteHi Laure...not really, though there was a period after my first husband died that I couldn't stand to work in that particular book. It stayed unfinished for a long time. What I burn out on is sharing, so sometimes I don't. It may be that it's just too personal, or something I need to work through on my own, or just too much trouble scanning, tweaking, and posting. But I don't seem to burn out on sketching...
DeleteI can concur with all your have said - I too find that my sketchbook/notebook keep me sane; though I rarely post the results as they are not that inspiring for others. Once in a while OK; but just being on the page soothes my soul.
ReplyDeleteExactly, Ann...just being on the page. I don't need to share everything and don't WANT to. I do a lot, more than I should, probably, but there's a lot that remains just mine--at least for a period of time.
DeleteOh I so totally agree, I began journaling after my cancer surgery... and finding Danny Gregory's 'Everday Matters' book... that started me journaling on a daily basis, not just the random doodles in meetings, that I'd always done. It is fun to look at some of those first books now, especially when I'm feeling down and my inner critic is shouting about my lack of talent. I have come a long way, I will never be as good as some of you, but I'm ok with that... I hope my grand children enjoy my journals some day, but even it they don't I have enjoyed creating them... and that is enough I think.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it interesting to see what we've lived through? It convinces me of my strength and resilience as well as the ever-present help of the Creator.
DeleteI agree! I have many a hospital room and ER sketch that helped me keep a handle on things. I've even brought sketchbooks as hospital gifts to friends and spent visiting hours sketching together and chatting.
ReplyDeleteI do too, Barbara...my own, my husband's...it HELPS. And what a wonderful idea, to share like that.
DeleteThank you SO much for this post - I've been feeling overwhelmed by it all for the last month and just this morning thought that the only thing that helps is drawing. And I haven't been doing it! Thanks for the further reminder ...
ReplyDeleteCarol, even if it's just a quick sketch while waiting, or watching TV or whatever, I'm convinced it helps...you're welcome!
DeleteYou know that I totally agree with your thoughts. My medical journalling last year when I was in hospital (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alissaduke/sets/72157626495626536/ ) provided me with an amazing sense of normality and calm. I did not go to my sketchbook as a reaction to moments of stress, but took moments out of life to sketch and found a sense of peace then. When I draw I forget about everything else
ReplyDeleteI found your hospital sketches among the most powerful and healing I've ever seen, Alissa. Thank you so much for sharing them.
DeleteI can fully see why our sketchbooks are a great tool for dealing with stress. When I draw, my mind leaves my worries behind and I'm caught up in the moment. Great therapy too. I think I'll take my sketchbook with me when I go in for surgery later this month.
ReplyDeleteSerena, do. I absolutely recommend it. I have sketches from my surgery in 2006 done as I was waiting for the anaesthetic to take hold! Wobbly ones after, too. And quite a few from Joseph's surgery last spring, it really helped keep me calm...
DeleteSo true. I can always tell if I didn't get any sketching in the day previous – it is becoming a habit. But a good habit!
ReplyDeleteLovely sketches!
This post obviously hit home for a lot of us. Me too. My husband and I just returned home today after two nights at the hospital while he had a pacemaker installed on very short notice. I found I couldn't read, but I could relax and still be there with him while inking on a very detailed drawing. Good therapy for me. He'll be fine soon.
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