The speed at which your drawing improved is mind-blowing. You are so incredibly creative. You're a force, a sun-fire, a circling wind. This is a very beautiful story.
Really enjoyed reading and watching this - thankyou. I have also had a little dream to draw my own 'book' of the birds that visit the garden - we have been seeing more and more recently since paying it some attention - but always get stuck on where to actually start. This has given me some inspiration, and an idea of how to manage those feelings (which are there even as I type this!) of this not being something I could do (well enough to be pleased with it... Perfectionism there I think...). I have had some success with writing though - moving from 'i can't possibly,it's not what I do' to it being a part of my life, without aiming for perfection. so maybe there is also learning there... Thanks you have prompted some helpful reflections.
Ps. Having mulled a bit further. I think I see writing as play now but still see drawing as producing a thing.. Useful insight, I am going to go and write that down! Thanks :)
Siobhan, I love this! Birds on the move are hard to capture because they are so fast moving- this is like Sistine Chapel level 😆 When I draw that way, I think of them in simple lines (unsolicited advice but sharing in case it's helpful!)-- I try to capture them in three strokes, for example.
And I so resonate with everything else that you shared- putting my hand up for that also! Maybe the visual things seem more "fixed" when we put them on the page? Or we have something visual and concrete, when words leave us up in the imaginal realm for longer? All so interesting to think about-- thank you so much! xx
I did take out my drawing stuff into the garden yesterday - but decided to start with plants! I drew 2 leaves and a flowerbud of the same plant (alcemellia mollis - I liked the leaf shapes) and tried different combinations of pencils and pencil crayons. So that felt more like playing - or a process of discovery to see what worked - and I was less attached to what it looked like on an objective level. Thanks for the tips and inspiration :)
Do! It won't be a case of removing the "block" or feeling as such, as starting to give your brain information about "the now". And you also create a space between that first experience of the emotion and the decision about where you want to take things next xx
I ABSOLUTELY love this Jane! I’ve just started on this drawing/painting/sketching journey and you’re right it’s like all my silly little birds I’ve been drawing this week have been waiting for me to bring them to life and I’ve had so, so much fun with them. Like you, I feel like my ancestors have awakened this in me, especially my female ancestors. Your artwork inspires me to keep going. 💜
And I love your comment right back!! 😍 Go little birds, go!! This is all so wonderful, I can't wait to share in your drawing adventures. Thank you Becki! xx
This is fabulous Jane! a great story to replace your old story. I am inspired because Itoo have this story about not being able to draw and would love to shed it. Tips and resources would be most welcome!
This so resonated with me. It also reminded me of a story that relates to colouring in which is not a good story, a story for another time; but also a story I no longer tell myself because your body awareness work helped me decipher the trauma and let that story go. I’d never put the two together til now. Interesting.
Wow. That is an inspiring talk. I have a vivid memory of being at my Grandmothers house, lying on my tummy on the floor, drawing and colouring birds. I called one particular one The Bird of Palestine, which made everyone laugh, as it was meant to be The Bird of Paradise. And then - nothing, apart from telling myself for over 50 years that I can’t draw. Well maybe now that is all about to change. Thank you ❤️
Jane, this is just wonderful. I loved learning of your creative desires and journey with sketching. How we limit ourselves with the stories we tell ourselves. Thank you for your words and pictures.
We do do- and thank you SO much for your lovely words and support. You are so generous and kind. I can't wait to see your book in the flesh (and have my own copy in New Zealand!) xx
I’m so inspired! There’s something magical about visual art — the focus required is calming and meditative. I always feel much better in my body after doing a watercolor. That conversation with the place, the light, the color, the breeze or sun on skin — it’s all healing. I’m so glad you’re doing this, Jane.
Thank you so much Julie ❤️ I love that you do watercolour and I agree- it transports me somewhere else (or maybe just "more here") in the best possible way. I have become somewhat of an obsessed drawer, and gladly so. Excited to explore more in the Creative Labs together xx
Thank you Jane for Creating Wild - it is so lovely to have a space that encourages daydreaming, writing, doodling and drawing, or enjoying time out in nature or whatever gives you joy, without feeling guilty. I love drawing and have from childhood but for many years have told myself the story that I don't have time for it and have let it slip. I am starting again and seeking to just play around with what comes. Your comments in the video and tips really resonated with me, not only for reactivating my drawing, but also reviewing other areas of my life which may need to shed an outdated and limiting story.
The bubbles - the girl sitting outside the book looking in! The silly stick figures morphing into iterations of birds in flight. Bravo my friend. xoxoxo
The speed at which your drawing improved is mind-blowing. You are so incredibly creative. You're a force, a sun-fire, a circling wind. This is a very beautiful story.
Thank you so much Janisse, I appreciate you more than I can express xx
Really enjoyed reading and watching this - thankyou. I have also had a little dream to draw my own 'book' of the birds that visit the garden - we have been seeing more and more recently since paying it some attention - but always get stuck on where to actually start. This has given me some inspiration, and an idea of how to manage those feelings (which are there even as I type this!) of this not being something I could do (well enough to be pleased with it... Perfectionism there I think...). I have had some success with writing though - moving from 'i can't possibly,it's not what I do' to it being a part of my life, without aiming for perfection. so maybe there is also learning there... Thanks you have prompted some helpful reflections.
Ps. Having mulled a bit further. I think I see writing as play now but still see drawing as producing a thing.. Useful insight, I am going to go and write that down! Thanks :)
Siobhan, I love this! Birds on the move are hard to capture because they are so fast moving- this is like Sistine Chapel level 😆 When I draw that way, I think of them in simple lines (unsolicited advice but sharing in case it's helpful!)-- I try to capture them in three strokes, for example.
And I so resonate with everything else that you shared- putting my hand up for that also! Maybe the visual things seem more "fixed" when we put them on the page? Or we have something visual and concrete, when words leave us up in the imaginal realm for longer? All so interesting to think about-- thank you so much! xx
I did take out my drawing stuff into the garden yesterday - but decided to start with plants! I drew 2 leaves and a flowerbud of the same plant (alcemellia mollis - I liked the leaf shapes) and tried different combinations of pencils and pencil crayons. So that felt more like playing - or a process of discovery to see what worked - and I was less attached to what it looked like on an objective level. Thanks for the tips and inspiration :)
That is so wonderful! Yay for garden drawing xx
I love our NZ birds Jane and I LOVE how your draw them. ❤️
Can't wait for your illustrated book to come out!
You are so lovely Jo, thank you so much! NZ Birds for the win!! We are so lucky xx
Hmmm. I'm going to have to try the 2 point exercise.
Do! It won't be a case of removing the "block" or feeling as such, as starting to give your brain information about "the now". And you also create a space between that first experience of the emotion and the decision about where you want to take things next xx
I ABSOLUTELY love this Jane! I’ve just started on this drawing/painting/sketching journey and you’re right it’s like all my silly little birds I’ve been drawing this week have been waiting for me to bring them to life and I’ve had so, so much fun with them. Like you, I feel like my ancestors have awakened this in me, especially my female ancestors. Your artwork inspires me to keep going. 💜
And I love your comment right back!! 😍 Go little birds, go!! This is all so wonderful, I can't wait to share in your drawing adventures. Thank you Becki! xx
This is fabulous Jane! a great story to replace your old story. I am inspired because Itoo have this story about not being able to draw and would love to shed it. Tips and resources would be most welcome!
WELL! We are going to be doing exactly this in the Creating Wild group soon- stay tuned, they are incoming! xx
This so resonated with me. It also reminded me of a story that relates to colouring in which is not a good story, a story for another time; but also a story I no longer tell myself because your body awareness work helped me decipher the trauma and let that story go. I’d never put the two together til now. Interesting.
Looking forward to hearing it 💛 And I know you have been on this adventure with me- it's so fun to get to share it together xx
Wow. That is an inspiring talk. I have a vivid memory of being at my Grandmothers house, lying on my tummy on the floor, drawing and colouring birds. I called one particular one The Bird of Palestine, which made everyone laugh, as it was meant to be The Bird of Paradise. And then - nothing, apart from telling myself for over 50 years that I can’t draw. Well maybe now that is all about to change. Thank you ❤️
Go the Birds of Palestine! What a beautiful story 💛 I look forward to seeing all the birds inside you set free 🪶 xx
Jane, this is just wonderful. I loved learning of your creative desires and journey with sketching. How we limit ourselves with the stories we tell ourselves. Thank you for your words and pictures.
We do do- and thank you SO much for your lovely words and support. You are so generous and kind. I can't wait to see your book in the flesh (and have my own copy in New Zealand!) xx
I’m so inspired! There’s something magical about visual art — the focus required is calming and meditative. I always feel much better in my body after doing a watercolor. That conversation with the place, the light, the color, the breeze or sun on skin — it’s all healing. I’m so glad you’re doing this, Jane.
Thank you so much Julie ❤️ I love that you do watercolour and I agree- it transports me somewhere else (or maybe just "more here") in the best possible way. I have become somewhat of an obsessed drawer, and gladly so. Excited to explore more in the Creative Labs together xx
“More here” — yes, this
Thank you Jane for Creating Wild - it is so lovely to have a space that encourages daydreaming, writing, doodling and drawing, or enjoying time out in nature or whatever gives you joy, without feeling guilty. I love drawing and have from childhood but for many years have told myself the story that I don't have time for it and have let it slip. I am starting again and seeking to just play around with what comes. Your comments in the video and tips really resonated with me, not only for reactivating my drawing, but also reviewing other areas of my life which may need to shed an outdated and limiting story.
Your words have made my day Sue- thank you so much! This makes me so happy to hear, I can't even begin to express xx
The bubbles - the girl sitting outside the book looking in! The silly stick figures morphing into iterations of birds in flight. Bravo my friend. xoxoxo
Thank you my beautiful friend. You are a light! xx
I love this Jane and I love you and what you bring to the world
Thank you so much Rhonda! I'm so grateful for you being here xx