I feel that it is time for me to work some different muscles this autumn – my creative ones. I have told you all about how I am attempting to skateboard, and that I am ensuring that my kids are out and about as much as possible. However, I have told you nothing about my arty side. Admittedly that is because, as much I will happily doodle, I do not really have an arty side. Sure, the things that I draw will resemble somewhat the shape or object that I am ultimately going for, but they are basic and simplistic at best. I often find that I will lose patience with anything that requires too much fine detail and attention. I would describe my artwork as clunky and slapdash. However, I do on occasion enjoy some clunky and slapdash escapism.
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Lady V’s Shoes
A column on village life from Victoria Kennedy Last year local artist Stephanie Vandem initiated her small doors project in the village, and, despite my own personal reservations of my abilities, I purchased one. On my door I expressed my love of the outdoors, and its benefits, by drawing a mountain side camping scene with the motto “More Wild, Less Worry”. I found creating my door a surprisingly tranquil escape. Working on the solid wood with my chunky paint pens was blissful, and I felt soothed by the process of creating it. This is something that I want to emulate again, especially as the nights have already started drawing in. I know that Stephanie is starting her Artist in Residence project this autumn at the new Aboyne and Mid Deeside Community Shed, and it will certainly be something that I will be checking out. I am looking forward to having somewhere to go in the colder months now that we can go inside places with friends and family. While I may not be the most naturally artistic (or patient) of people, hopefully I will find some inspiration there to create something new. After all, every time I see my door, I smile. It is truly special to me, and I hope that others who see it feel the same. So, as Kurt Vonnegut once said: “To practice any art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow. So do it.” And, this autumn, I am going to do just that.
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