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| Detention Again 9x12 graphite |
This is one of the boys from my class last year. I shot his photo in the boring classroom, but I KNOW he was sitting there dreaming of a setting more like this!
One of the things I've missed since I left teaching is the sharing of stories with kids. I loved reading aloud to them. I loved reading in small groups with them. I loved reading the stories they wrote. And I loved making up stories on the spur of the moment to entertain them. Most of all, I loved hearing their stories. What happens to the uninhibited creativity of children when they grow up? How does it get extinguished in so many of them? Or is it still there, flickering in the shadows of their 'grown-up minds'... yearning for open air...
I enjoy seeing art of all mediums and subjects, but the artists and artwork that move me most are those that tell a story. The evocative, imaginative pieces that grab hold of me and seem to have something they want to tell me.
One of the things I've missed since I left teaching is the sharing of stories with kids. I loved reading aloud to them. I loved reading in small groups with them. I loved reading the stories they wrote. And I loved making up stories on the spur of the moment to entertain them. Most of all, I loved hearing their stories. What happens to the uninhibited creativity of children when they grow up? How does it get extinguished in so many of them? Or is it still there, flickering in the shadows of their 'grown-up minds'... yearning for open air...
I enjoy seeing art of all mediums and subjects, but the artists and artwork that move me most are those that tell a story. The evocative, imaginative pieces that grab hold of me and seem to have something they want to tell me.
This is my third piece focusing on imaginary places. With each new piece, I've been using elements from the previous pieces, and introducing new variations. I've got the next one planned and I'm excited to dive into it.... BUT wouldn't you know it... I received a commission through my website for a new pen and ink drawing of a house this morning! So I'll take a detour from my enchanted places, and work on a real-life place for a week! I just hope I don't start drawing magical branches poking through the windows, and trailing vines creeping over the roof of their home...
"If stories come to you, care for them. And learn to give them away where they are needed. Sometimes a person needs a story more than food to stay alive."
—Barry Lopez, author
Great work Katherine!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a lovely idea, it really does tell a story. (I was one of those chldren that spent lessons dreaming!)
ReplyDeleteOh my!! This is my favorite yet of these imaginary places, imaginary stories! Somehow I recognized myself in this little guy. I used to have an imagination just like this (though I never got detention)!
ReplyDeleteThere you go girl on the way to fame. Congratulation on the commission you deserve it. This imaginary place is beautiful. No wonder he is dreaming of it.
ReplyDeleteI love your imagination and your expert execution of this piece, Katherine. I could get lost in your scenes. "They who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night." ~ Edgar Allan Poe
ReplyDeleteHow awesome that you have taught children and what joy that must provide for art-making like this. Your drawing skills amaze me and I am especially amazed you play guitar too. Congratulations on being commissioned here recently! This sweet drawing here makes me think of my oldest son...he was always in trouble when he was young. :)
ReplyDeleteI, too, love your imagination and ideas. Keep up the great work, and congratulations on your commission!!
ReplyDeleteUn joli voyage dans le monde de l'enfance...
ReplyDeleteMagnifique!
What a fantastic imaginary world around that boy. I imagine myself when I was a little boy dreaming with the eyes opened, while reading a book of adventures. You are a great and sensitive artist Katherine. Great work indeed! Ciao.
ReplyDeleteHi Katherine,your post and drawing has brought back wonderful memories of being lost in all those books I couldn't put down as a child.You have an amazing skill in art and your imagination takes that art to another level!!
ReplyDeleteI love your new way of expression and it is getting deeper and deeper! This brings out the child in each one of us, what is better than fantasy when there is no limitations to dwell in imagination! Congrats on your commission!
ReplyDeleteOne could get lost in your paintings, Katherine. This is such a wonderful post and amazing painting...and Congratulations on your commission..watch those magical branches and vines !! LOL
ReplyDeleteHi Katherine, I found you on Martine Alison's blog. Children are so sweet and unpretentious, and you have captured this little boy so well. Just gazing at this brings back some great childhood memories for me. Thank you for sharing, and greetings from Montreal, Canada.
ReplyDeleteFabulous piece of imagery Katherine. Yes, the boy definitely would rather be in that world than the reality of detention. :)
ReplyDeleteThere is something so freeing about creating a piece out of ideas, researching, building, thumbnails, composition. Its a lot of work and many people think you just sit down and it all just appears out of your head like magic.
Society molds us to conform and 'behave' so we lose some of that spontaneity and freedom that comes from imagination. Its a good thing to take it back and let it work for us.
Hi Katherine!
ReplyDeleteYour drawing is so lovely, delicate and has a dream quality.
Our souls are made of images and I admire the way you feed yours and allows its expression.
About your question: Many images that I put in the blog are mine. I travel a lot and always take photos.
Traveling is one of the greatest pleasures in my life. But other images are taken from google, tumblr, etc.. Those images of the Indian forest are not mine, I picked them up from google. I have never been there.
If I could go at any place in the world to take pictures, I would go first to the north pole to photograph the aurora boreal, that's amazing! What attracts me in a picture is the quality of light and the colors.
I prefer to take photos of nature, but I also like to take photos of people and places. Sometimes, little details of things call my attention.
Thank you for your visit and comment.
Have a nice weekend
A big hug
Hi K!
ReplyDeleteThis drawing is so cool! I love how the top branch snakes around the bookcase. Also, the trees look like they have arms and hands, pulling the boy away from his real world.
Congrats on the commission!!! That is also so cool!
This is lovely Katherine. I am very envious of artists such as your self who can imagine scenes like this. I am a very literal person and struggle to do it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind comments on my posts.
Dear Katherine - I love your stories. You have such a wonderful imagination and your art is always such an inspiration to me. Your pen and ink are beautiful as well. I think it would be difficult to do a commission when there are other things you would rather be doing. God Bless you friend and have a great week-end.
ReplyDeleteDear Katherine, your beautiful drawing tells a whole story! I'm fascinated by the richness of your imagination and your great technique.
ReplyDeleteBellissimo lavoro !!!
ReplyDeleteCiao Katherine :)
An excellent drawing and house 'portrait'! They are lucky to have you so lovingly working toward the perfect package, with framing,paper,etc. WOW-beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great piece! My mom is a 2nd grade teacher so I know exactly what you are talking about! It's always fun to imagine what might be going on in their heads. As for reading to children, have you considered donating time to your local library? Even bookstores will generally have a 'storyteller' that comes in to read to the children. It might be a really fun and enjoyable thing for you to do! Congrats on the commission!
ReplyDeleteKatherine, make me dream your drawings in a fantasy world : )
ReplyDelete