Thinking about Where Art Fits in My Life

Having a moment to think about where art fits in my life.

It Happened in Porto

Like many things in recent life, doing art-related things came after moving to Porto. Before that I'd done what many Brits did, and thought they weren't much good at art thanks to school.

After meeting lots of artists at Coffee Creatives in Devon and Porto, I tried a painting lesson in Porto and fell down a hole. I wouldn't say I fell in love with it or I'm particularly good, but I like experimenting and it fulfils that itch to create!

I use Dicesong to reflect on what art-related things I've tried each quarter!

Currently

Art is part of life, but not a huge one. And I may need to cut it down or rest it for a while.

Currently I draw something each morning in my journal, either abstract or a scene / object nearby. Then I go to a few local art groups, the Exeter Urban Sketcher, some life drawing and a new one this evening.

At home I have a table for art things, mostly collages, landscapes, expressing emotion, using railway tickets to make things or whatever takes my fancy.

There's also two Painting and Drawing groups, one in Devon, and one in Porto that keeps itself running. I go visit when I'm back there!

What it Means

It's an outlet for creativity, with no idea to get paid, get shown in a gallery or the like. I have enough with writing as my main occupation!

It's also a way to socialise with an activity-based environment. This has always been my favoured way of being around people. Playing games, some sport, dancing or at some kind of event with a purpose.

But it's competing with other creative outlets, such as dance, solo games, my blog, writing, cooking. Life!

So I want to find a way to reduce it for a while.

The Future

I'm looking at taking a break from drawing, or giving my meetup a rest, or doing a challenge, or integrating my drawing / painting into other activities!

There's also the problem with what to do with all of these paintings and drawings lying around the place. Maybe they could be composted....

I could use it in my games, be more selective about events, or focus on one or two activities for a bit.

The other idea is to tie it into community, something in Exmouth would be preferable!

Finishing Up

I'm not sure that this is of use to anyone reading it, but it's useful for me to write about it.

And that's what a personal blog is for (among other things!).

Duncan