So many ways to think about it. Trish gave you a good suggestion below about using a fixed window of time.
If you are interested in a specific kind of drawing....starting a project can be a really good way to explore. (I don’t know what you draw - or what art you already make. So I know you may already have a path calling to you.)
attempting to finish the three part series Red lantern Black Lantern and White lantern.
I am up to Black lantern images i.e exploring fears and mortality in the modern age. Red Lantern is still not sitting well with the finished product possibly needs something. Was going for a silent graphic novel format... not sure it works yet... i,e no text just images telling the story.
Sounds like a fascinating, multi-stage project! I didn’t realize from your initial comment that you have something ongoing. (Sorry!) Good luck with the goal setting as you continue to work on it!
was very devestated after working for 12 months on a project only to have my name removed from the cover after working on it. But that is how it is everyone has to heal there own wounds
I really felt you through your words in this post. The commitments you’ve made, the commitments you’ve followed through on. Noticed, unnoticed, the life behind the life, the wondering and withering…the word “faith” written like falling piece of paper into the Seine. Someone is reading, someone in hiding perhaps, who once committed to a poem a day blog that only 4 people read on occasion. I fell through the cracks, I fall through the cracks…
I find it interesting about our loyalty to authenticity. My own has caused me so much trouble. Also that these are somewhat comic sketches, self portraits that are not line for line blood and bone, and yet you need to see you, like forcing oneself to face reality…why is that?
Are you forcing yourself not to hide from yourself?
Is there healing in this facing? Is there compassion emerging between the artist and her art?
I have multiple personalities. We do “contain multitudes,” as Whitman said.
To draw myself would be another layer of complexity. Do I draw who I see inside? Or this body I’m wearing? Today, I am Joseph. No one can see what I look like because I’m living in a woman’s body. All of us have to look the same on the outside. People miss so much of us. We go to waste.
Your effort matters to me. You are doing this thing called life. What does life look like? How is it authentic? How would it draw itself? Would it allow imagination? Could it avoid it? Might it lose faith on occasion? (especially if it avoided imagination).
You pulled something out here that took me by surprise, Ocean! You’ve read between the lines and picked up on something I didn’t know I left hanging out, and I love that. Thank you for this comment. Oof about the cracks. I understand that feeling, and I am sorry you have ever felt that way. Authenticity can be an interesting puzzle (or even a stumbling block) in our art (our drawing, our writing, our sharing, etc.). I do think the self-portraiture questions you’ve asked are ones we think about as we draw (or write). There are always so many layers, so many avenues, so many things we can choose to show or hide.
I commented to you above - before seeing this — and I hope that, yes, you can be encouraged to start. I think creative routine and creative habit and creative projects are important for all of us….So what will you start? What are you considering? I think you may have read a post a few weeks back with suggestions on how to think about a big list of possible projects and narrow in on something that really calls to you right now. While I don’t think doing a “100” is necessary (or has to start “today”), I do think there is great value in starting something and repeating it over time. Take the leap. Finding readers and community isn’t always easy, but they are out there. Create because it fulfills you. Start there. - Thank you for commenting.
I will always think of the lantern drawing last year for your husband. A cool collection! It’s so interesting how cultural characters like Mr. Rogers and Captain Kangaroo become such a part of a generation, right? I’m looking forward to some Mr. Rogers in my journal this week. Looking forward to your pottery series. Love the purple glaze on a mug you showed this week. (My son, as you know, brings home a lot of ceramics….the last series was all in browns….and we keep asking for some color. Lol. Apparently they have very limited food-safe options. So I love seeing your color work and can’t wait to see where your next 100 days goes!)
I love this series idea Amy! It seems to have so many angles of exploration and expression, which would be satisfying to pursue in the long series! I love your first, especially those dots. I can’t wait to see more. I pick crane- we have sand hill cranes come through here but I’ve never seen one, maybe this spring….
I hope you catch sight of the cranes as you experience this last spring where you are. Thank you for your words about the project. I hope you get off to a good start today, too, with your project.
Amy, this is my first time visiting your creative space and what a lovely place to be! Your wonderful drawings coupled with your kind and humble voice make for an uplifting few moments; a great start to my day.
Also, thank you so much for mentioning my latest essay on Shy Guy Meets the Buddha. I'm so glad you liked it.
I would love to see a whooping crane, a goal for me should be to spend more time in nature.
Definitely Mr. Rogers, I have always thought Pinocchio was a jerk.
My goal for this week is to organize my time more productively.
Today is day 1/100, drawing comics for #the100dayproject and posting them on Substack.
I have a few other 100 day goals. I want to crochet a blanket for my bed using the variety of yarn I already have loitering around here. I want to finish organizing my art space. I would like to tie dye the pile of shirts waiting for me.
Congrats on starting your substack today - and I hope you enjoy the process and your 100 days of comics. I, too, have a list of other things I’m sort of committing or recommitting to today for a 100. It just seems like a good day to restart. So I wish you well with all of these tasks. I look forward to seeing how the blanket shapes up! Mr. Rogers it is :)
Lots to think about here, as usual, Amy. I can't see my way to writing fiction because I lean so heavily into reality. At the same time, I often consider how my perception of reality is shaping the story. What if I changed one little thing? What if I adopted a growth mindset? What if, instead of seeing something as a barrier, I saw it as an opportunity? It starts to sound like motivational speaking, which irks me, so I don't follow through. I'll be interested to learn where your affirmations take you. I absolutely LOVE your weekly self portraits!!
Yes! That is totally it regarding fiction. I thought a lot about that yesterday, too…. That even in comic form, I’m also tied to reality. Fiction writers (or comic artists) would create a character, without feeling so tied. Interesting to think about. But your words are well taken about how we shape even the story grounded in truth. Everything is filtered. Believe me when I say positive thinking will require a bit of a workout for me, lol. 😂 Thank you for your kind words about the self portrait series.
I decided to do journaling. I dunno exactly how it will unfold but it keeps coming up so I’m doing it.
Reading your thoughts on the self portrait I can’t help but think how critical we are of our own self, more than a portrait of someone else. We know ourselves so intimately and for so long, what we see in the mirror/photo doesn’t always match the version in our head. I’m sure there’s some very deep meaning there but I know when I let my hair do its thing for 3 of the “covid years” it was not what I looked like in my head and I was always a bit surprised when I saw a photo. Haha.
Can’t wait to see how your project - and mine - end up.
I totally hear you. I think it’s fascinating how often the reality in the mirror is so detached from the image we carry in our head. Also very right about our feelings about drawing self-portraits compared to strangers. I know that even drawing family, it often feels very different…. So much much pressure to make them look like the people they are. Always fun though.
I hope your journaling project gets off to a good start today. Is this written journaling or a combination with illustrated journaling? Either way, happy Day 1 — and thank you for commenting.
Thanks for the comment, Kelcey. I think counted challenges can be motivating, and I’m a sucker for a series. It’s a side project for me, so finding something that I can “fit in” alongside the things I already do (and that also has some personal line of meaning) is important. I look forward to seeing what you decide!
Your words resonated with me this week and while your story is yours and yours alone, I can’t help feel your words were directed to me and what I needed to hear. The portraits. Firstly I love love love them. Secondly that passage of time passing I hear you in my soul and while I am a little younger, I’m going thru some kind of midlife crisis (ok so it’s the tail end of menopause) which has made me begin to see the passing time. Not so much as OHMYGOSH my life is half over, more the extra lines, the extra donuts sticking to the midline, more scrutiny on my self then I ever realised. All that to say is I’m in a process of acceptance and I started doing self portraits each week, but the extra lines and baggy eyes and rounded face staring back was a bit too much to see laid bare. Maybe this will inspire me to get back to adding them to my pages!
As for today - it’s day 1 of 100, I think I’m settled on creating my menagerie of critters but also doing some writing on the side. Because why not? Actually this year I am allowing to just be creative and stay creative.
Thank you for this wonderful comment. If you read and feel it somehow makes sense for you and your creative journey, I’ve done something right. So thank you. I’m happy to hear about the self portraits you are doing. I think it is really powerful-- once, a series, weekly, or random. I know lots of people do this, and I always enjoy seeing it. In the current time of acceptance you are going through, I think you may find the portraits especially powerful and helpful. Good luck with the 100 day menagerie and writing, too!
Lantern. Crane. Lantern. Crane. Lantern. Quiet lovely things. Thank you for persisting through the silence. It’s quiet, but not empty. There are whispers and roars and peals you can’t hear. I find myself writing pages and pages in response (including ideas for visual answers). I run out of time to edit and summarize for a compact, rational comment. You start conversations you have no idea you’re a part of. Please keep carving out this space for reflection, inspiration, and invitation.
I am lucky to have readers such as you. I hate to think of pages and pages of responses - and visual ones, too - that happen and then are discarded. But replying should also never be a chore! Conversations.... should unfold. I am always curious what your letter might say. This post.... I wouldn't think even generated a spark of a conversation! What a delight to hear that wasn't the case. Hope you had a good week. What color ink is this week?
I really loved seeing all your self portraits in this post, Amy. And I find the idea that “it doesn’t have to look like you” very liberating. I rarely draw people I know, and have done only a few self portraits over the years. I always prefer to play with the faces of strangers for some reason, but acknowledging that even for people you know or yourself that it may look different from reality makes that more appealing. More interesting too, I think. I’ve enjoyed seeing your first 7 days too!
Given me inspiration to set a goal with drawing...
Me, too, but I’m not sure what 100 I want to start.
Maybe just start with 5 minutes of doodling per day with a timer and see where it takes you?
So many ways to think about it. Trish gave you a good suggestion below about using a fixed window of time.
If you are interested in a specific kind of drawing....starting a project can be a really good way to explore. (I don’t know what you draw - or what art you already make. So I know you may already have a path calling to you.)
Awesome! Starting with a goal to continue for x days is a great way to jumpstart and build a habit. What will you draw?
attempting to finish the three part series Red lantern Black Lantern and White lantern.
I am up to Black lantern images i.e exploring fears and mortality in the modern age. Red Lantern is still not sitting well with the finished product possibly needs something. Was going for a silent graphic novel format... not sure it works yet... i,e no text just images telling the story.
Sounds like a fascinating, multi-stage project! I didn’t realize from your initial comment that you have something ongoing. (Sorry!) Good luck with the goal setting as you continue to work on it!
no need to apologise your work is inspiring was about to can it all until I watched. a few of your videos and read your words.
I have multi-disciplinary practice so yeh hard to maintain work ethic.
Have set myself a 100 day practical course now.
was very devestated after working for 12 months on a project only to have my name removed from the cover after working on it. But that is how it is everyone has to heal there own wounds
https://www.graphicmedicine.org/spotlight-the-white-horse/
I really felt you through your words in this post. The commitments you’ve made, the commitments you’ve followed through on. Noticed, unnoticed, the life behind the life, the wondering and withering…the word “faith” written like falling piece of paper into the Seine. Someone is reading, someone in hiding perhaps, who once committed to a poem a day blog that only 4 people read on occasion. I fell through the cracks, I fall through the cracks…
I find it interesting about our loyalty to authenticity. My own has caused me so much trouble. Also that these are somewhat comic sketches, self portraits that are not line for line blood and bone, and yet you need to see you, like forcing oneself to face reality…why is that?
Are you forcing yourself not to hide from yourself?
Is there healing in this facing? Is there compassion emerging between the artist and her art?
I have multiple personalities. We do “contain multitudes,” as Whitman said.
To draw myself would be another layer of complexity. Do I draw who I see inside? Or this body I’m wearing? Today, I am Joseph. No one can see what I look like because I’m living in a woman’s body. All of us have to look the same on the outside. People miss so much of us. We go to waste.
Your effort matters to me. You are doing this thing called life. What does life look like? How is it authentic? How would it draw itself? Would it allow imagination? Could it avoid it? Might it lose faith on occasion? (especially if it avoided imagination).
What 100 might it have started?
Could I be encouraged to start, too?
You pulled something out here that took me by surprise, Ocean! You’ve read between the lines and picked up on something I didn’t know I left hanging out, and I love that. Thank you for this comment. Oof about the cracks. I understand that feeling, and I am sorry you have ever felt that way. Authenticity can be an interesting puzzle (or even a stumbling block) in our art (our drawing, our writing, our sharing, etc.). I do think the self-portraiture questions you’ve asked are ones we think about as we draw (or write). There are always so many layers, so many avenues, so many things we can choose to show or hide.
I commented to you above - before seeing this — and I hope that, yes, you can be encouraged to start. I think creative routine and creative habit and creative projects are important for all of us….So what will you start? What are you considering? I think you may have read a post a few weeks back with suggestions on how to think about a big list of possible projects and narrow in on something that really calls to you right now. While I don’t think doing a “100” is necessary (or has to start “today”), I do think there is great value in starting something and repeating it over time. Take the leap. Finding readers and community isn’t always easy, but they are out there. Create because it fulfills you. Start there. - Thank you for commenting.
This is fabulous! I look forward to seeing what comes. A terrific exploration.
Thank you, Nan. I appreciate your comment!
-Lantern. The husband collects them so I guess it’s a household commitment.
-Mr. Roger’s. Who could resist such a gentle, giving soul? He and Captain Kangaroo were a staple of my childhood.
-A goal for the week is to start planning for warmer weather. Decide if I want to do any spring planting and what that would be.
-Today is day 1 of adding layers of color to my pottery. Lots of prep to do, but I think (hope) it will pay off.
I will always think of the lantern drawing last year for your husband. A cool collection! It’s so interesting how cultural characters like Mr. Rogers and Captain Kangaroo become such a part of a generation, right? I’m looking forward to some Mr. Rogers in my journal this week. Looking forward to your pottery series. Love the purple glaze on a mug you showed this week. (My son, as you know, brings home a lot of ceramics….the last series was all in browns….and we keep asking for some color. Lol. Apparently they have very limited food-safe options. So I love seeing your color work and can’t wait to see where your next 100 days goes!)
I love this series idea Amy! It seems to have so many angles of exploration and expression, which would be satisfying to pursue in the long series! I love your first, especially those dots. I can’t wait to see more. I pick crane- we have sand hill cranes come through here but I’ve never seen one, maybe this spring….
I hope you catch sight of the cranes as you experience this last spring where you are. Thank you for your words about the project. I hope you get off to a good start today, too, with your project.
Amy, this is my first time visiting your creative space and what a lovely place to be! Your wonderful drawings coupled with your kind and humble voice make for an uplifting few moments; a great start to my day.
Also, thank you so much for mentioning my latest essay on Shy Guy Meets the Buddha. I'm so glad you liked it.
Thanks so much for commenting, Don. I’m happy to have shared your substack via that recent post. I love your voice and perspective!
Thank you, Amy. I'm touched.
I would love to see a whooping crane, a goal for me should be to spend more time in nature.
Definitely Mr. Rogers, I have always thought Pinocchio was a jerk.
My goal for this week is to organize my time more productively.
Today is day 1/100, drawing comics for #the100dayproject and posting them on Substack.
I have a few other 100 day goals. I want to crochet a blanket for my bed using the variety of yarn I already have loitering around here. I want to finish organizing my art space. I would like to tie dye the pile of shirts waiting for me.
Congrats on starting your substack today - and I hope you enjoy the process and your 100 days of comics. I, too, have a list of other things I’m sort of committing or recommitting to today for a 100. It just seems like a good day to restart. So I wish you well with all of these tasks. I look forward to seeing how the blanket shapes up! Mr. Rogers it is :)
Lots to think about here, as usual, Amy. I can't see my way to writing fiction because I lean so heavily into reality. At the same time, I often consider how my perception of reality is shaping the story. What if I changed one little thing? What if I adopted a growth mindset? What if, instead of seeing something as a barrier, I saw it as an opportunity? It starts to sound like motivational speaking, which irks me, so I don't follow through. I'll be interested to learn where your affirmations take you. I absolutely LOVE your weekly self portraits!!
Candle. Mr. Rogers. Listening.
Yes! That is totally it regarding fiction. I thought a lot about that yesterday, too…. That even in comic form, I’m also tied to reality. Fiction writers (or comic artists) would create a character, without feeling so tied. Interesting to think about. But your words are well taken about how we shape even the story grounded in truth. Everything is filtered. Believe me when I say positive thinking will require a bit of a workout for me, lol. 😂 Thank you for your kind words about the self portrait series.
Maybe I should draw my favorite substack writers!
I decided to do journaling. I dunno exactly how it will unfold but it keeps coming up so I’m doing it.
Reading your thoughts on the self portrait I can’t help but think how critical we are of our own self, more than a portrait of someone else. We know ourselves so intimately and for so long, what we see in the mirror/photo doesn’t always match the version in our head. I’m sure there’s some very deep meaning there but I know when I let my hair do its thing for 3 of the “covid years” it was not what I looked like in my head and I was always a bit surprised when I saw a photo. Haha.
Can’t wait to see how your project - and mine - end up.
I totally hear you. I think it’s fascinating how often the reality in the mirror is so detached from the image we carry in our head. Also very right about our feelings about drawing self-portraits compared to strangers. I know that even drawing family, it often feels very different…. So much much pressure to make them look like the people they are. Always fun though.
I hope your journaling project gets off to a good start today. Is this written journaling or a combination with illustrated journaling? Either way, happy Day 1 — and thank you for commenting.
I love seeing all your portraits! Still pondering this 100-day thing...
Thanks for the comment, Kelcey. I think counted challenges can be motivating, and I’m a sucker for a series. It’s a side project for me, so finding something that I can “fit in” alongside the things I already do (and that also has some personal line of meaning) is important. I look forward to seeing what you decide!
Your words resonated with me this week and while your story is yours and yours alone, I can’t help feel your words were directed to me and what I needed to hear. The portraits. Firstly I love love love them. Secondly that passage of time passing I hear you in my soul and while I am a little younger, I’m going thru some kind of midlife crisis (ok so it’s the tail end of menopause) which has made me begin to see the passing time. Not so much as OHMYGOSH my life is half over, more the extra lines, the extra donuts sticking to the midline, more scrutiny on my self then I ever realised. All that to say is I’m in a process of acceptance and I started doing self portraits each week, but the extra lines and baggy eyes and rounded face staring back was a bit too much to see laid bare. Maybe this will inspire me to get back to adding them to my pages!
As for today - it’s day 1 of 100, I think I’m settled on creating my menagerie of critters but also doing some writing on the side. Because why not? Actually this year I am allowing to just be creative and stay creative.
Thank you for this wonderful comment. If you read and feel it somehow makes sense for you and your creative journey, I’ve done something right. So thank you. I’m happy to hear about the self portraits you are doing. I think it is really powerful-- once, a series, weekly, or random. I know lots of people do this, and I always enjoy seeing it. In the current time of acceptance you are going through, I think you may find the portraits especially powerful and helpful. Good luck with the 100 day menagerie and writing, too!
Lantern 🏮
Mr Rogers, a true muse for me
FOMO is big with me, and I may start a 100 day project this evening! I started with ink drawings last year and did not finish—and I loved doing it.
Today is Day 1 of trying to maintain a drawing practice!
A goal: finishing a book I’m into 60%.
Thanks for inspiring me!
Day 1 of a drawing practice sounds good! You’ve got this. FOMO is difficult--truly. Do a project while it serves you....have fun!
I wanted to share this course focused on affirmations. I keep returning to it:!https://unique-producer-7459.ck.page/products/mantra-project
Lantern. Crane. Lantern. Crane. Lantern. Quiet lovely things. Thank you for persisting through the silence. It’s quiet, but not empty. There are whispers and roars and peals you can’t hear. I find myself writing pages and pages in response (including ideas for visual answers). I run out of time to edit and summarize for a compact, rational comment. You start conversations you have no idea you’re a part of. Please keep carving out this space for reflection, inspiration, and invitation.
I am lucky to have readers such as you. I hate to think of pages and pages of responses - and visual ones, too - that happen and then are discarded. But replying should also never be a chore! Conversations.... should unfold. I am always curious what your letter might say. This post.... I wouldn't think even generated a spark of a conversation! What a delight to hear that wasn't the case. Hope you had a good week. What color ink is this week?
I really loved seeing all your self portraits in this post, Amy. And I find the idea that “it doesn’t have to look like you” very liberating. I rarely draw people I know, and have done only a few self portraits over the years. I always prefer to play with the faces of strangers for some reason, but acknowledging that even for people you know or yourself that it may look different from reality makes that more appealing. More interesting too, I think. I’ve enjoyed seeing your first 7 days too!