So, another post to declare that I am not dead or inactive, just lazy.

I have spent quite a bit of time not even trying to pretend that I care about art -- not art in general, I mean, but MY art. In the meantime, however, I have been getting somewhat more sure-handed with my illustration. Not more creative or original, though, but braver in effort and genuinely better in technique.

So recently I picked up some quality materials: a hardbound sketchbook, about half-sheet size and perfect for purses; a generic n00by pencil-and-charcoal sketching set; a set of nice fine-tip pens perfect for committing to this project in the longterm AND practicing illustration-type drawing. With all of this I have sworn not to use the sketchbook as a dump for notes to self or a source of scrap paper. I swore only to put inspired things in it, to respect it as a true archive of my attempts to develop.

So far the results have been fun and encouraging, quite possibly some of the better drawing I have done. I am toying around with portraiture of my friends and colleagues, so I have been heavily leaning toward realism. Next thing I want to tackle is stretching, defining, and developing my personal style. Perhaps next I will start collecting nice markers?

Oh! Outside of drawing, I have been overcoming my fear of sewing machines and my anxieties over three-dimensional design. With this spring's acquisition (a baby-blue Kenmore Mini Ultra I lovingly dubbed Stetch) I have made a purse for Grace's birthday, a Lolita skirt to wear to HBP, and several repairs and alterations to recently-rediscovered articles of clothing. Up next are a pair of purses I am designing for myself. I still need lots of practice, so cute custom accessories are going to be it until I am once again confident enough to attempt garment construction. That skirt was hell on wheels for a first project. God.

I have been suppressing myself creatively for the past few years, not writing words or music, not practicing anything, not even churning out a decent bit of ballpoint psychedelia in the margins of class notes. With this journal and all -1 of you who read it will be my witness, as I solemnly swear to do good by my artistic self and the fancy crap I got at the art supply.

On top of that, I might even be motivated to post some scans and photos here as proof of progress!

That music and writing stuff, though . . . maybe when I am in front of a computer or alone more often. Sigh.

xo