The Paradox

The paradox 8.5 x 8.5 in watercolour and pen

I first heard this quote in an episode of Criminal Minds.  I love the show even though for the most part it showcases the worst of humanity.  There is something oddly right about having the good gus win...and something even better when they are smark, sexy people who get to carry guns.

But enough about that...I like that they always show how everything in life is really a remake.  Even when we look at all the things people can do to each other, there is always some other person who has spoken of it before.  It makes me wonder what creativity really is.  If we are simply redoing and remaking what has already been done, can we truly be original? 

I think perhaps for that I would have to rely on another smart persons quote for it is C.S. Lewis who said, "Even in literature and art, no man who bothers about originality will ever be original: whereas if you simply try to tell the truth (without caring twopence how often it has been told before) you will, nine times out of ten, become original without ever having noticed it."

Axis of Joy

As a fledgling art journal keeper, I have had to find inspiration wherever I can. I love the thousands of books available on the subject and have only started collecting mine...beginning with '1000 Artist Journal Pages' and the works of Danny Gregory: 'Everyday Matters' 'Creative License' and 'An Illustrated Life'. But while a book can give you some great ideas, I have found most of my practical inspiration from [wait for this...] You Tube.

Just by typing in 'art journal' I've found hundreds of pages...some useful and others not. Regardless, it has helped me learn more about the practice and techniques and given me a little more confidence.

This is my version of a challenge placed on one of the many videos (unfortunately, I do not remember the exact one but I'll keep checking until I find it). I think it came out really well and I was happy with the final product. I'm thinking about framing it and putting it up where I can see it all the time. It will remind me that anything is possible...and it's always best when I feel good about whatever is happening.