Pen and Sketchbook 11 x 14 inches by Casey Chalem Anderson
“Geranium Stem” 11 x 14 pen and ink by Casey Chalem Anderson
Ever since I placed the geranium branch in my best-loved vase, I’ve had the craving to draw it. The branch leans so precariously on the horizontal. It’s shaped like the crook of an arm. The leaves are roundish with curled edges and tiny flowers burst open at the tip. I love how the emphasis is from side to side, not just growing upward as I would expect. The asymmetry of the branch in contrast with the emphatic vertical of the vase is precisely the balance I seek.
I began. It’s been awhile since I did a line drawing. I must get in a studious mind set. I slow my mind way down from the lists, the emails, the food disinfecting, and phone calls and follow the edges of the shapes with my eyes. I keep my hand loose or it will reveal that I’m scared or that I possess a lack of confidence. I have to trust that I will buy generic tramadol remember this language, and it begins to return. I’m catching it and I remember how much I love to draw. I’m thinking in a familiar language, one I used to know fluently that has nothing to do with the world that is on fire.
As a kid, I embraced learning to draw vigorously. Having the ability to draw meant that I was a legitimate artist. I know now that to be an artist encompasses a wide variety of skills and ideas. But at this moment, I’m enthralled by the action of observing and then marking the page. This process is a gift that I forgot about, ……an action that slows my mind to a human pace. I need the act of drawing so desperately, it’s exactly the medicine for what’s ailing me.
I see imperfections of course, but I must allow them. There’s a humanity in the small mistakes and that feels right. I’m drawing just for the pure pleasure of reconnecting with a part of myself that was fast asleep.
Hoping for Peace, Casey
Here are some line drawings from the past available as archival Fine Art Prints: (click on links below)
https://www.artfullywalls.com/works/12201/rose-of-sharon-flower
https://www.artfullywalls.com/works/12202/leaves-rose-of-sharon
