Be Inspired

Get Uncomfortable

BY CHRISTIN DAUBERT

CREATING SOMETHING TYPICALLY REQUIRES YOU TO GET OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE

PRETTY QUICKLY. Usually, you have to try something different or new. At least that is how it is for me. I find that when I decide to step out of my comfort zone (which is always way easier with art-related things than, say, other life things), I get a rush of adrenaline that pushes me further creatively. This was exactly the case when I decided to go to a local figure drawing class one evening at the coolest little spot in Aberdeen called Create Studio. I’d visited before because their owner curates some awesome vintage finds, and fills his space with local vendors (who also find awesome vintage finds). After purchasing a pair of Depression glass candlestick holders (seriously swoon worthy), I learned that there would be a live figure drawing class the following Monday night.

It’s important to mention that I am not trained in the arts. I didn’t study art, besides the lecture-hall style art history in college. My style of art is abstract and messy, so the thought of sitting and drawing a live, nude human was intimidating. I’m fairly certain I told myself that I would practice some drawing techniques before the class, and I did no such thing. I was buzzing leading up to the event. (No, not literally buzzed.) Unlike the popular drinking-while-painting group events, this night

had a different vibe. The figure drawing session was donation-only and there were tons of supplies provided: paper, loads of charcoal, pastels, markers, graphite sticks with blenders, and things I had no idea how to use. The seating was eclectic—some spots had a desk and some people used their laps to rest their sketch pads.

There were technique sheets printed out sharing how to start with shapes and lines to get the flow of the body. We all started with several quick one-minute and five-minute drawings of the model to warm our brains up. I had no idea what I was doing and I have to admit, feeling that way was wonderful. It made me realize how rarely I put myself in situations to learn the basics of a new skill.

Being a grown-up means we rarely find ourselves publicly asking how to do something that we’ve chosen to try, but that’s exactly how we grow and continue to evolve. It struck me how boring life would be if I just did what I knew I could comfortably do. As the evening progressed, we moved to longer sessions with the model holding a pose for 30 minutes. During this time the two event leads, Romey and Kara, came around and helped anyone who felt stuck drawing the details of a hand or the curve of the spine. As the timer went off to close out the last pose and our evening, I felt such gratitude towards this community of artists and creatives for offering us a space to push us to the edges of our comfort and expand.

I want to encourage you to find some creative outlet that makes you feel uncomfortable and out of your depths this month. You could try your hand at writing poetry or explore a new medium in your grown-up coloring book. Or, if you’re looking to go somewhere to learn a new craft, I have a few suggestions for you. Obviously, I’m going to suggest Create Studio. In addition to figure drawing events, they have an open night where you can bring in whatever you’re working on and enjoy a collaborative space to create. Follow along on Instagram at @Create.Studio.NC.

There is also ARTworks Vass where you can sign up for a number of individual classes to create beautiful stained glass pieces, learn to knit or dive into oil painting. Learn more at artworkvass.com.

Here’s to getting uncomfortable and embracing our creative sides! SP

Share your creativity on Instagram: Hashtag #SandandPineMag. Also, go to @consciouslychristin to check out Christin's work.

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