AJ = Alan Jacobs (source)
Dancing Skeletons
So far my favorite drawing from the work I’m doing with Lynda Barry’s book is one I did with my eyes closed.
The prompt was to draw 3 skeletons with eyes closed in blue, yellow, and red. I used colored pencils.
Davy was immediately drawn in by this, but insisted I draw them again “happy.”
The big smiles and heads threw off the proportions, but there’s no doubt these drawings have more “life” than any I’ve done eyes open.
I’m also loving rediscovering composition notebooks. I used to love writing and drawing in these as a kid.
Chronic Illness & Art
“The functioning of our bodies affects what is possible for each of us in physical and temporal spaces. During active illness, the limitation that comes from the mismatch between the rest of the world and the universe of sickness increases. You think and plan around the ways you don’t fit into the world.”
“Artists often see possibility and opportunity where others may not, so our role is to lead others into new ideas or ways of doing things.”
Jocelyn Mathewes
Stegosaurus
“This archival image, snapped circa 1899, depicts paleoartist Charles Knight working on a scale model of the dinosaur Stegosaurus. In life, this species could measure 28 ft (8.5 m) long and weigh about 6,000 lbs (2,720 kg). But when this animal was discovered, paleontologists were surprised to find that its skull—and brain—were disproportionately small. In fact, some scientists thought this massive herbivore must have had a "second brain" near its hips that controlled the back half of its body. Turns out, Stegosaurus did manage with just one relatively small brain.“
Papaya Leaves
We neglected the compost this year and a massive papaya plant has emerged. Since they won’t survive the winter I’m collecting as many as possible for art materials.
This is actually one of the smaller leaves.
I’m having trouble finding a book large enough to press them in. Maybe a I can try some large boards and a weight? I want to preserve as many as possible.
Rainy Day
My Neighbor Totoro (1988) dir. Hayao Miyazaki
On Being in a Body
“And I do think it’s kind of an amazing thing that our minds can do, that we can, especially when we suffer: we can go in and out of our bodies. We can kind of put it down for a minute, which is our body’s wisdom and response to trying to avoid the implications of trauma.”
Kate Bowler
(source)
Dappled Shadows
We went for a walk this morning. It’s still quite warm, but the leaves have just started to drop. This little patch of dappled light was magic. 🍂💫
Anne of Green Gables Manuscript
The entire, original handwritten manuscript of Anne of Green Gables is now available to page through online - thanks to a scholar from Duluth, Minnesota.
Photo: Jean-Sébastien Duchesne
