A Big Scribble Down the Middle

Jul 16, 2008 by Ange

So.

This is a new and strange thing for me.

Content.

I have a habit of buying and creating exquisite places for the written word with every intention of filling those places with glorious text and images, but usually find a way to avoid actually doing it. Dozens of promising journals, sheets of letterhead, websites, and even Word documents, sit with, at best, a couple of pages, at worst, a sentence or two in the recesses of the Rook nook. I seem to hit a writing roadblock before I even get out of the driveway. I think it has something to do with feeling intimidated, like I’m expected to write down great works, in ink, on the first try.

I took an art class a few years ago and the thing I learned that has proven the most useful is this: “Don’t start your art on a pristine canvas. Put a big scribble down the middle so that it’s not perfect anymore.” I’ve already gotten over the hard part when I do this. It’s as though there’s a relaxing release in my mind that lets me get started on the good stuff. I can choose to cover up the mark I’ve made or incorporate it into the piece, but for me, it’s definitely the first vital step.

Over the years I’ve received some good advice about overcoming the creeping fear of failure before even starting. When I was attending University, I picked up Natalie Goldberg’s Writing Down the Bones. A nice, short guide to creative writing, I found the exercises and tips extremely good advice (like, turn off that internal editor until after you’ve finished your first draft, not after you’ve been staring at your first paragraph for two hours trying to perfect it). It completely revolutionized the way I wrote and gave me the courage to speak with my own voice, not the voice I was afraid I wouldn’t have.

As far as all of the ideas I had floating on the currents of my mind that cheerfully swim past, never to be seen again, my Mom had the most brilliant suggestion. She said, “why don’t you write them down.” I had one of those embarrassing ‘why didn’t I think of that perfectly obvious, sensible solution’ moments (especially since my Dad has been writing stuff down in little books for years) and promptly bought a Moleskine, which I carry with me everywhere. I also staple exciting colour combos from magazines into it, and anything else which inspires me or that I want to remember (including the names of appetizers or labels of wines I like). It has proved to be one of my most valued possessions. Even if I don’t end up using an idea, referring back to it can prompt another one. I also find I can sketch future jewelry, accessory, or art ideas into it to come back to when I can actually create them. So great!

I love writing. I love sketching. I love creating. It refreshes my soul to be able to articulate into words and images what’s begging to be released from my heart and mind. It’s such a gift to have this opportunity. I hope you enjoy this site. It’s an expression of some of the things that matter most to me.

PS

I always use a pencil.