Preparing to paint
Much of the artistic and creative process is invisible, of inspiration and insight and the mulling of ideas in the mind, of engaging with nature and seeking that deeper resonance that sparks origination and gives momentum to the creative process. Without these the artist cannot speak, and it is only by visiting those silent spaces deep within our souls that we encounter that which has true meaning for us, giving breath to the wind and melody to the flute, leading to a sharing of the invisible.
A sketch is often the first visible manifestation of an idea, a time to give voice to those images of the mind, and to explore and capture the hidden nuances before they recede back into the unconscious. I do not pretend to understand this process, but to rather seek the quiet balance in my life that enables the resonance to be heard and made visible through my hands. This sketch is a vital part of this process.