#15: Lacklustre florals

Look out for a kind cow and a golden fish in this letter.

Another forgotten artwork

My little studio is visually chaotic. That’s me saying it in a way that is true, and also kinder to myself than the alternative ‘a total mess’. But heyyy I’m a creative, it’s inevitable! Amongst the chaos though, if you look closely, it’s full of treasures: colourful corners of paintings peeking out, pencils cherished for over a decade, and full, well-loved sketchbooks that tell stories I otherwise would have forgotten.

Here’s a canvas that was repeatedly buried and found in the rubble throughout the process of making it. First, it was a painting flowers and leaves. I took it to an art market to help fill my stall, but I had no love for it and wasn’t surprised to be taking it back home. After some weeks, with the lacklustre florals still nagging at me, I banished them. I covered the whole thing in a collage of yellows, greens, and blues, and added some sheep to give it depth. Unfortunately though, after this step, I got stuck again; it went back on the shelf of half-done projects.

It was when I came across it again that I made this video, determined to finally turn this canvas into something finished and fun:

I still have this canvas and it’s now for sale. 30x30cm, £30. If you’d like to see more photos or make a purchase, get in touch through my Instagram or Facebook.

Travel sketchbooks

Creating travel sketchbooks is a methodical and nostalgic process for me, I’ve come to learn. Whilst I’m away I write and draw a lot, often in pencil and in the pockets of time between activities. There are some pages I start and finish whilst on holiday, but I’m always aware that I don’t want my documenting of the trip to override my presence in the experience itself. I could stay in and draw the previous day, or go out on a boat at sunrise to see wild dolphins - I’ll choose the latter every time! Once I’m home-home, I go through all of my notes, sketches and photos and start the process of illustrating and pulling together the story of the trip. It takes a while, but it’s enjoyable to keep reminiscing and drawing for months (or years) afterwards.

My South Africa sketchbook is still underway, see above! There are more snippets of it in plenty of my previous letters. Here is a page about our drive to Blyde River Canyon. I’m excited to add all the colours and details as my next step.

Whether in weekly letters or holiday sketchbooks, I notice a running theme that I enjoy documenting my life through art. I’m not sure why. I’m curious: how important is it to you to document your life (through photos, writing, any means)? Why do you think we do it (or don’t)?

Being creative as…a quiz host

This week the annual family quiz commenced and so far we are all still friends. I explained how it works, the origin story, and the types of questions in last week’s letter.

An exciting development happened this week. Last year’s winner purchased an ugly trophy for whoever wins this year, adding a thrilling new incentive for the champion. Sorry to the maker of this trophy for calling it ugly.

I can’t help but wonder what the original winner of the golden fish would think of it now being a prize in a family quiz. As with any second-hand purchase (or third-hand or fourth-hand…who knows?!), I get caught up thinking about its previous life. Maybe someone should write a children’s book about an object being passed through lots of hands over its lifetime…oh me! I’m doing that! I’m still in the process of writing and drawing, and I will share some bits when it’s slightly less draft-y.

That’s how I’ve found creativity in my week. What’s making you feel creative? Or what’s in the way? Let’s chat about it :)

Thank you

It’s a delight that you’re here. I appreciate you reading about my week. If you have any reflections or fancy a chat, hit ‘reply’ and say hi. I love when these posts turn into a conversation. Wishing you a cosy day ahead.

Love, Kara x

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