I've always thought of art as a bit of a touchstone for
really great memories in life. A few months ago I was reminded of this when I
went for a visit to Scotland because, while I have snapshots galore to show for
my trip, the one item that really prompts my memories of my time there is a
little flower drawing of Scottish thistles that I picked up along the way.
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Can you imagine having this drawing as a
memento of your travels? I'd love it!
Seed Flower by Sarah Horowitz, drawing on
antique paper, 16 x 12, 2009. |
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This humble little drawing--flowers in ink with a few color
washes--made me realize that art can be evocative and personal if you use it the
right way. It isn't just a finished paining in a frame on the wall that counts.
Art comes in many forms and we can use it to make our own artistic memories.
For me, I could use my Scottish thistle flower drawing to
inspire an entire series of sketches of where I've been. Or, I've also thought
about learning how to draw flowers that are native to my home state and making
sketches of them on antique-looking paper, framing them, and giving them as a
gift to my mother. And then there's the possibility of making my own postcards,
too.
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A page from the sketchbook of
George Dionysius Ehret, 1748.
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So on my next trip I've made a promise to myself that I am
going to make time to seek out the natural beauty of the area and make my own
version of the Scottish thistle drawing, based on whatever flora I see around
me. Maybe I'll take it further and incorporate it into a studio piece and maybe
the work will stay a sketch, but the importance to me is bring art-making
closer to my day to day life.
Botanical Sketchbook
is an amazing flower drawing collection that I learn a lot from every time I
open it because it is an artist's personal journey with her art. Inspirational
and a handy resource in one! Enjoy!
