The Sketchbook Project Show in Portland, Maine

Kathryn Clark's Sketchbook

Kathryn Clark's Sketchbook

Remember back in January when I made a sketchbook  for The Sketchbook Project sponsored by The Brooklyn Art Library and Art House Co-op? ( look over here for more about them) Yesterday we went to the first show of the tour of the more than 10,000 sketchbooks! It was held at Space Gallery in Portland. The place was packed with people excitedly looking at sketchbooks. I think most people first found sketchbooks of artists they know, as I did. I got to hold and examine my friend Kathryn Clark's beautifully executed sketchbook (take a look at her blog here). It was when I was actually holding it and looking at it that I understood her theme for the first time. She did a powerful depiction of the impact of foreclosures in cities in this country. The show was organized by theme, so you could ask to look at two books at a time within one theme. It was very well run given the complexity of the show. It was also a bit frustrating because there were all those stacks of sketchbooks and not enough time to see them all. It was impossible to document or photograph the sketchbooks properly, so I just did the best I could to show you a little bit of what it was all about.

Bye Bye Sketchbook

I finished my sketchbook for the Sketchbook Project and sent it in yesterday. I'm glad to have it finished, and a bit sad to say goodbye to it forever. I got very engrossed in the little stories that presented themselves every day as subjects. I didn't always know what they were about, but I knew they had meaning. This kind of looking at daily-ness (if that's a word) is becoming more and more important to me, and nudging into my work more often.

Sketchbook Project Countdown

Anyone who is involved in the Sketchbook Project is probably doing exactly what I am doing right now. Dashing to the deadline. Here are some of the latest I've done. I am having fun too. I do work well under (moderate) pressure. I've just let each day's feelings and happenings guide me on subject matter. Some images have come from songs or dreams, or waking dreams. 

Sketchbook Project Pages

Seems like quite a few people are hurrying to get this (Sketchbook Project) done by the January 15th deadline. I have many more pages to go, but I will get there in time. I would love to see other sketchbooks in progress. Go over to art house co-op and see about the pockets project. Maybe you might want to take the empty pockets pledge.

Sketchbook Project Pages

I've been doing pages for the Sketchbook Project every day this week. I'm letting the story of this book evolve intuitively. Many of the pages are being built on top of an old Progressive Spelling textbook I found a few years ago. I think the idea of progressively learning each day of my life is getting put into this work. I am constantly struck by how there is more and more intense learning for me with each passing year. I didn't expect that! And I like getting back to blue pen drawings and collage, which is a true love.