Survival is a funny thing. Sure, you’re filled with relief that the risk is over and you’ve escaped harm still breathing and with, more or less, all of your limbs and important bits intact. But, in the aftermath, a feeling of listlessness, grogginess, and utter exhaustion comes crashing down.
I’m not referring to my flights to and from the US, which passed without incidence (but with much turbulence…is it just me, or are there more and more of the bumpies as time goes on??? Maybe we can blame global warming or el nino for that). I am, of course, referring to the semi-annual pilgrimage to see family, friends and bovines. And the mind-numbing jetlag that follows. I haven’t been hit this hard for years. Whenever I sat down to try and get some work done those first few days back, an overwhelming urge to pass out rolled over me. I think I did a few times. That would explain the keyboard imprint on my forehead.
I’m feeling a bit better today, happily, and even got to start on some art. I was hoping to be done by the end of the day, but my engine (never the fastest to warm up in the morning) isn’t quite up to full speed yet. So, even though the theme of the piece (and the key color) are a deep, rich blue, you’ll need to use a touch of imagination to see it. Sleep Cycle willing, the finished piece will be up by the end of the day tomorrow (Tokyo Time).
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October 4, 2007 at 9:51 am
jo
Gorgeous drawing, this is beautiful. Look for ward to the completed piece.
October 4, 2007 at 1:09 pm
eli
I didn’t realize till just now you live in Tokyo, that’s so cool! I’ve never been but Japanese culture has been a long time fascination of mine (I was even a part time sushi chef for a year). Then I looked at your bio and saw you went to school in Savannah, the school I should have gone to (was offered a scholarship but thought it was still too expensive). Seems to have payed off for you though! Anyhow, I like the layout of this one, especially the pattern that connects the clouds, looking forward to seeing the end result!
October 5, 2007 at 9:45 am
Maarit
It’s fascinating to see sketches from you, I kind of wondered how you draw out your work! I like how you use empty space.
I know what you mean about the post family visit -exhaustion. As wonderful as it is (sometimes..) to see your family, it’s emotionally draining, especially if you don’t see them very often. My family lives 300 kilometers (a little less than 200 miles I think) away, so it’s a lot closer than yours (but far enough, haha).
October 6, 2007 at 9:21 am
patrick
The final is (finally) done and up on the blog! Thanks for enjoying the drawing.
eli - Yup, I’ve been in Tokyo for over a year now, and it’s still new and fascinating. I find it to be a constant source of inspiration (and occasional madness). Savannah was definitely good for me; the most important lesson was just realizing all the possibilities out there, whether in materials or approaches to the work. Technique can always be learned, but sometimes I need to be in a particular place with particular people in order to see all the options open to me.
Maarit - Thanks! I usually draw out most of the layers I plan on using. But as time goes on, I find I’m changing and adding things when I sit down to make the final art, and letting the paper dictate the end product more. So, does that put yoour family in a different country than you (not always a bad thing)?