I often need to remind myself of the importance of play in art. When art or writing is your job, or you take it very seriously, it can be easy to get pulled into production mode—always being focused on what needs to get done for a project.
But so much enjoyment and good ideas come through play—when there really isn’t a goal in mind. I find this to be true when I make my nightly diary comics, making friendship bracelets with friends, or when I get together with my 9-year old neighbor to make art.
My 9-year old friend wanted to make swatches of watercolor, so we did. She would tell me what colors to mix together and I would mix them. Very simple, but fun. And I learned how to mix new beautiful colors which I hadn’t created before.
The trick I find is I have to give myself permission to play. It’s sad that that was drilled out of me at some point in my schooling, but it doesn’t mean it has to remain gone forever. I just have to be more intentional about it. And if you need permission to play—I give it to you!
How do you like to play at art or writing?
Happy Easter and Spring
Here’s a rabbit drawing I created when I used to have a greeting card store on Etsy. The rabbits really have been in proliferation here which used to give me joy, but now just stresses me out since our dog, who is a hunting breed, sees a rabbit and then loses his mind in his desire to capture it.
Leif love
Here in Minneapolis, we had a glorious late season snow fall. Leif and I had so much fun out playing in it!
Now most of the snow has melted, and our yard is a mud pit, but we’re grateful for the water in the soil, and the beauty while it lasted.
Take care!