I've decided to combine my Suprise Monday, where I give an update on the progress of my current children's book, with my 21 days creative exercise post, because they sort of ran together today.
I must (ashmedly) admit that I haven't been able to keep up with the 21 days exercise - Some days, I just don't get into the studio at all, but then other days, I am able to play for longer than 15 minutes. Does that count? I don't think so. You're supposed to do it EVERY DAY. Sorry... :-(
BUT, I HAVE been doing it every day I'm in the studio though. As I've said before it really works for me to use it as a warm up. but today, something else happened...
And I don't have much I can show you from the book at the moment, (even though i've been working hard!) - I just don't want to give too much away. But I wanted to talk about the creative process and just how fluid and beautiful it can be. I'm always amazed when things jump out at me from the page, almost telling me what I should be doing with them, or reminding me that they are there, and that's what happened today.
I was working on the title for the book which I am doing by hand, and in trying a few different styles, I tried my beautiful japanese brush with ink:
It just isn't the right feel for the book. But in doing this I squirted out waaay too much ink, and didn't want to waste it, so I grabbed some scrap paper and just started playing around. I have this little painting of bamboo that I got in San Francisco and tried copying it.
I took one japanese calligraphy class ages ago, and I loved it, and this reminded me about the beauty, the simplicity of monotone colour and quick strokes. Not thinking so much, just doing. It's another thing I'd like to get back to and play with. all in good time....
But I guess it was just another reminder to go with those little whims, like I did the other week with the collage for the book, because you never know where it is going to take you, and all of a sudden you have added another dimension to your work, or you are going in a completely different direction than you thought you would be or should be, and that is the fun of creating!
I just want to say thank you to everyone for all of your comments, and I'm so sorry I haven't been able to make the rounds lately... I can't wait to get a bit more time to check in on what you've all been doing!! Happy creating everyone! :)
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4 comments:
Love those strokes Kim! I know what you mean by sometimes things happens because they have to.. one thing leads to another.. wonderful :o)
I also wanted to tell you that I tagged you for a very special kind of meme. "A day in the life of Kim Fleming" Wanna play? You can learn more about it at my blog.
xoxo
Ali
HI Kim!
I also haven't been able to post everyday. I finally decided to make it 21 days, but not in a row! :-) It has been a very good exercise for me, though, and I'm learning a lot, from the practice and from seeing everyone's works and ideas. I also love the simplicity of monochrone illustrations and sumi painting.
Those bamboos look so authentic, I felt peaceful just imagining how you painted them. That uncomplicated, simplified, stroke based practice just feels like it'd be so calming. Sounds like "too much ink" was a happy mistake, to give you a little time-out from your busy day.
p.s. I am sarah. there, I said it ;) like a load lifted off my secret squirrel shoulders. heehehehe.
Popped in here in hopes of seeing where you might have gotten with your cover. Not yet I guess?
Busy is good, I'm in the middle of a book also so it is nice to drop in to someone's website who is in the same kind of place. All the best on your's and I'll be patient and wait for that cover.
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