Notes to Self

 I was looking for some documentation I was sure I had recorded in one of my art journals the other day. It was simply a record of the paper used and the nib size and pen I had used for some calligraphy (the daily word cards). I knew it had to be there somewhere...

So I got them out and started going through them. Fortunately I had indexed them so I had half a chance of coming across it, and also narrowing it down to a certain year.

But still. It took a while. 

Over a cup of coffee in the studio I enjoyed the wander and after I had found it (yay!) I continued on with my reminiscing.

I was intrigued to come across some great notes to self.

Most often I would write notes about what to do, not to do, why I had changed my mind or where I thought to go next. But these ones I am sharing here were more about the bigger picture of my making. 

This was the first one that caught my eye - and I think it holds true. It holds the duality of my work where I need to say something; along with that work where I am simply making for beauty or simplicity.

This one intrigued me a bit as I so often want to use words! But I think I wanted to make sure that the other parts of my making which might supplement my words, were also speaking.

I turned the page and came across this, which kind of answered my own questions.

This one came after some notes from a course I did. A couple of words to guide my process. I think they are about guiding the final piece - select which bits to include; eliminate unnecessary parts; and then work out what and you want to emphasise.

I am not sure what this means, but my sense of it is that it might be about drawing on a memory, or evoking a memory. Making an association stronger? The reading of my own words, in my own journal, is still quite an investigation and full of queries.

I found this one in my first journal and was tickled pink because it is the first of these - what is your vocabulary? - that I offer as a handout to students of Building Narrative and which I gave out at the Conference in New Zealand recently! I have obviously hung onto this one and still incorporate it in my thinking, work and teaching 

And then the spirals all together... such a pleasing image.

Strangely enough I hadn't thought to go through my journals in this reminiscing-reminding way before and will definitely do it again. There are some gems in there that could become something still!

And a note to self and everybody: next Saturday 29 and next Sunday 30 November we are holding our Closing Down Sale at the Studio. We are not renewing our lease and lots and lots of stock has to go so prices are low!

We are busy with the tidying, sorting, pricing; and getting ready for cleaning and moving. We will continue to make and create and sell; just in a new way....