Wednesday, March 22, 2006

Aging and art

Why is it that we have so little recollection of our very early years? Is it that our brains are not developed enough at that stage to form lasting memory or we don't have the language ability to put experiences into something we learn from?



I recall my earliest memories from about 3 - traumatic usually. Falling or being hit at a birthday party - simply because I wanted to see the birthday boy's new rocking horse. Birthday boy is now a cardiac specialist. Perhaps I should remind him of his misdemeanour in youth.

I see images of myself from so many years ago and wonder why I can't recall what I was thinking or doing that day. I want to remember and experience it through the eyes of a child.

Art is a bit like that. You need to open yourself to ideas and colour and experiences and accept them as new, as a child would. You then see the world though new eyes. You can see your morning mug of coffee not as a white steaming mug but as a an image glowing with colour and shape. Each image in life can be new and interesting. You don't really see something until you draw it. Then you explore each curve and line and find things you never have discovered.

Here is a sketch from Illustration Friday's weekly inspiration for drawing. Feet. I like the shadows imprisoning them.

4 comments:

AscenderRisesAbove said...

My first time here; enjoy the pencil sketches, looking forward to seeing more.

It is my understanding that good memories are absorbed into ourselves; trauma memories need to be recalled into all four spheres (sight, sound, touch, smell) before they can be released.

Unknown said...

lovely sketch!

Christine Lim said...

Hi Jeanette! I often ask myself the same question about memory. My earliest memory is not until I am 6 or 7. So sad.

Anyway. I love your reflection about art. Wonderful thoughts. I took some time to read your blog. Your sketches are simply fabulous. Love your portraits of people and animals. :)Keep posting. I will be back.

Jeanette Jobson said...

I'm glad its not just me that thinks this way! Thanks for your kind words.