100/100

This week I finished the 100 days project. It was a challenge to say the least! I managed to go quite a number of days before lapsing and then found that I relaxed and took the project less seriously as time went on. Some days were so easy and other days I really struggled to the point of wanting to quit but I'm so glad I persevered. 

​The project made me feel less restricted in my subject, usually I only draw from photographs of places with significance. I found that I could paint some washy shapes with ink and claim them as mountains, islands or clouds and feel confident doing so. 

The project also gave me the opportunity to practice more mark making with pen and introduce a little colour to my work. I'll continue to draw on a postcard format as I enjoy the small scale and the convenience of working quickly and freely. 

100 Day Project

Some time ago while spending too much time on Instagram's 'explore' page I stumbled across the 100 Day Project founded by Elle Luna. I'd been going through a bit of a difficult time with my love in hospital with excruciating pains which turned out to be kidney stones and a readmittance with a possible infection and norovirus. While at home feeling helpless I made four really quick postcards. They took a matter of minutes each and after I felt so much better, art has been my meditation and comfort for a long time. With this in mind I decided to go for it and join in with the project by making a postcard each day. 

Day one

Day two

I'm amazed to have reached day twelve, already I've experienced a range of emotions with the project. I've felt stress at still drawing at 11.30pm, I've torn up a postcard and started over, I've stared at the blank paper feeling totally uninspired and I've wished I'd done one differently. I've also felt relief when one turned out better than expected, pride at seeing the collection growing and happy to have something creative to look forward to in the day. 

Day three

Day four

100 days is a long time and I don't know if I'll make it until the end but so far I'm enjoying it and I hope it'll teach me to stress less with my work and enjoy the process of making something each day. 

Day five  

Day six

Do you find art and creativity helps when you're feeling low? Does it act as a meditation for you also? 

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In Progress

I've been 'in progress' with the drawing I'm working on for quite some time now. Since completing my MA in August I've gone back into full time work. It would have been nice to try and continue with my practice full time or just get a part time job but I was tired of having no money at all after living on a very tight budget for a year. 

Detail of Bluebell Wood

I try and devote as much time as possible to drawing. Every Thursday evening I speak to my dad on the phone, while we're chatting I'm working on something. I fit drawing in after work and spend lunchtimes thinking about what to do next and documenting my practice. It can be frustrating only making very slow progress but it's better than not making anything at all, it'll feel all the more rewarding when it's finally finished. 

Bluebell Wood - Half finished 

Someday I will be a full time artist and I'll look back on these days and be grateful that I've got all the time in the world to think about my work, I'll spend hours experimenting and playing in the studio making up for lost time. That's the dream anyway.