Documenting, Reflecting
I recently had the opportunity to work on an archive team for a week-long gathering of artists. I entered the project thinking I was solely hired to draw portraits of guests; I ended the week with a newfound sense of confidence and pride as an artist.
For several days, I was granted permission to observe and document artists completely in their element. No audio/video recording, no photographs, no sharing to social media. The only evidence of events would be the sole responsibility of our archive team. We were also to abide by these house rules via handwritten notes, drawing and painting in real time throughout the day. It was an environment dedicated to being immersed in every moment, which I found delightfully refreshing. I caught myself forgetting what city we were in, what time it was or how long we had been there. It’s fascinating to see what concerns melt away when the pressure of a schedule is removed. So much can grow.
They started their day with slow stretches and movements, vocal warmups, setting intentions. I started my day with gesture drawings of it all, capturing motions before the positions changed. As the day wore on, group conversations took place, which branched into smaller clusters that flowed together and apart in new combinations; pushing and pulling with a rhythm like the ocean’s. They shared meals and exchanged ideas, danced and chanted and rested. I followed, watched and listened. I was a fly on the walI with a pen and paper: drawing, painting, taking notes.
At the end of the week, I flipped through the 30+ sketchbook pages I completed and couldn’t help but be impressed with myself. Someone asked if that was a lot for me, and the question caught me off guard. I realized that I didn’t have an experience that I could compare to what I accomplished in the previous days. I had never been hired to draw nonstop for a week and I found that the free-flowing nature of the event had empowered me in my own work. I step away from this project with a fresh perspective on my own creative practice and assurance in my artistic pursuits. There aren’t enough words to express my gratitude.
Seek out and spend intentional time with community. Don’t be afraid to talk about the scary things.
Walk through the random doors that open for you. They aren’t random.
