The Lost Art of Simplicity

Simplicity is the ultimate
sophistication.
—Leonardo da Vinci

When I began to go through my art supplies I decided to separate them into those I've used recently, those I don't enjoy using and those I'll use some day. My pile of items used recently dwarfed the other two piles. Most of the items in the two largest piles dated back to workshops and classes.

Two years ago I signed up for a mixed media course. Over the period of three months I dabbled with an assortment of glues, sparkles, three different types of paints, rubber stamps, and wood boards as well as more traditional sketch books. By the last class I realized that I didn't enjoy the amount of clean-up required for mixed media. The bought items, neatly labeled, and stored in boxes went on my already crowded metal bookcase—now consigned to art products.

Going through all the items in this bookcase as well as two rolling carts, six drawers on wheels, and two hanging tote bags filled with sketchbooks filled me with dismay.

Yet, how could I rid myself of those colored ink pens from Japan? The writing on the barrel of the pen is in Japanese which lends an exotic allure to the pens. Keep.

And that's how it went. Item after item—potential. But tomorrow I intend to exist in that land of ruthless honesty. I know that I'll never use — but suppose I change my mind? Perhaps sophistication is out of the question.