Let Loose

Today I taped a charcoal stick to a long branch and standing four feet away from my easel and paper I drew the still life set-up. Our instructor wanted us to use our whole body to create  gestures. After fifteen minutes we changed our spots and using a brush attached to the opposite end of the stick we used sumi ink to paint  the same still life— superimposing the second over the first. And we moved a third time.

Then we looked at everyone’s work. Four people managed to wield their implement into a tight drawing. I expect they did not hold the stick toward the end. Three people allowed the line to explore the paper. I loved the way parts were recognizable, but the lines flowed and overlapped and created a spontaneity that felt open and expansive.

I loved the playfulness— the invitation to explore a line without the constriction of needing it to follow a rigid interpretation.

Extrapolate that thought to religion, politics, dialogue.