Neighbourhood Cat - 2024 08 17 - 2024 12 24

 

Graphite, pencil crayon, wax crayon, shellac on paper - 8 1/2" x 11

Perhaps the most important work we will do is share our creative works with each other, and, by so doing, broaden our perspective and deepen our understanding of each other.

This drawing is a freehand version from the series of photos I shot of Dandy perched on the roof of the neighbour's car. What I love about this freehand drawing is how a character and personality of Dandy emerges from the distortions of shape, symmetry and size. His gaze has a knowing look, like he is very confident in his knowledge and he is getting ready to share it with me for my benefit. The background is atmospheric, providing space for the unknowable energies that give rise to our experience and our understanding of the world.

Our efforts to make creative works will often surprise us. Our results rarely match our expectations. When we practice making creative work we become more accepting and interested in learning from our results rather than dismissing our work as inferior or inadequate.

When we develop our capacity to accept the results of our creative efforts we also develop our capability to be resilient in the face of adversity.

If I had expected this drawing to demonstrate my superior talent to draw photo realism, I would be extremely disappointed and even defeated. 

Instead, I enjoy my quirky interpretation of a cat on the roof of a car watching passersby. His funny expression makes me smile.

My hope is that we can become more accepting of our quirky, funny results and pull together for the shared purpose of improving the role of humanity of fostering life on earth for the good of all concerned.

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