Blaze

Saturday was the day of reckoning in our Sketchbook world.  The boys and I hit the highway headed for the Hyde Park Art Center, along mighty Lake Michigan in Chicago; we had a 3-1/2 hour window in our too-packed day and two of those hours were spent traveling, but this was a priority and not to be missed.

Nate’s book is an amazing mix of drawings and lyrics that have meaning to him.  He is careful to give credit to the artists he subsumes. His media is primarily pencil and markers, along with some stickers and creative use of icons and logos. Talking me through his book, he was a little apprehensive, a little unsure he had done it “right”, but I assured him there is no “right” way in the world of art. It was worth the wait to finally see his book.

He was touched when I pointed out the page I had dedicated to him in my book. And truly incredulous when he saw that I had incorporated his drawing of angel wings and Robert Frost’s “Nothing Gold Can Stay”, which he has deemed “his” poem.

It felt good to hold my book in my hands again.  I now truly appreciate the difference between owning an original piece and a reproduction.  I savored one last time the texture of the familiar torn paper edges, a hallmark of my medium, before returning the book to the stacks. 

I didn’t expect the feeling of community that this tiny exhibit exuded.  There were tables where artists and visitors could create original works on postcards.  The eye candy was dazzling, markers and pencils in all shapes, sizes and colors. All three of us chatted with other artists while we created.  We got to choose which upcoming tour city we’d like our postcards delivered to and received in exchange another artist’s work fashioned in Brooklyn.

I thought I’d leave the exhibit wanting to visit my work again in another city.  Surprisingly, I’m ready to move on to something new.  I’ve realized one of my dreams on this year’s list, and in doing so seeded a similar passion in my boys.  Traveling this path with me every step of the way, they’ve been infused with the staples they’ll need for any trail they choose to forge. The feeling of satisfaction that comes with this accomplishment leaves me speechless (well, almost).  When I embarked on my journey to add dimensionality to my life I never imagined that diverse interests would converge, melding into a new, happier me. 

As Nate says in his Sketchbook, “We’re all looking for some color in this black and white world.” I’m certain I’ve found my way through.




My postcard - on its way to Los Angeles in June!