In my last post, I mentioned how I don’t really identify as a writer. Much like with my writing, I have trouble identifying as an artist. If you saw me, you wouldn’t think to yourself “Oh he must be a writer and/or arts”. But it’s not because of the way I dress, act or look I would state as the cause of my identity crisis. It’s how I think and talk, it’s how I come off to people. Sarcastic and dismissive I think it’s these characteristics that act as the biggest cause. I’ve always kept my art and writing close. I have trouble readily sharing it with others. Some have said that it’s because I lack confidence. That’s not the case. Its because most of the stuff I draw, I think its garbage. The truth is, I am way too hard on myself. I’ve had to teach myself to listen to others and, more importantly, to absorb and believe what they are telling me when they say something like, “Oh, that’s cool!”. If I draw something it’s because I see something in the paper I want to bring out. If the end result does not exactly match the initial vision then I feel I have let myself down in some way. I beat myself up. You see, I truly am my own worst enemy when it comes to criticism. And I’ve learned that art and writing are, for me, the best cathartic exercises I can engage in. For through my art and writing I am continuing to learn that fine art of letting go. Learning to let go of expectations and coming to terms with the fact that I can’t control everything.
I drew this with colored pencils and pens. It measures 14” x 11”. I got really high and had fun exploring perspective and some sacred geometry. For me art, much like writing, helps with my focus and vision. When I start filling in spaces with color it’s like I’m tracing an image on to a window through which I see another dimension. It sounds silly but it’s true. Marijuana and alcohol act like a creative energy conductor that minimizes overthinking… over-analyzing my action; it frees up my imagination and allows it to pass, without obstruction, from my mind to my hands. OR… I’m full of shit and I really have no idea what’s going on! But… I’ll be a gentleman and let you decide.
– JP
Great art work, John, and leaning more toward the geometrical aspect rather than the predominantly organic lines of a lot of your art. The article above ~ confusing. Who wrote it? It’s in John’s voice in the first person, but it says the article is by Bryant. An interview with John by Bryant? Or edited by Bryant? Confusing.
Hello. It was posted by me, but it was written by John. That’s why it was signed JP at the bottom. I am working on fixing this now so there won’t be any confusion in the future. Thank you for the feedback! I appreciate it, as I am always looking for ways to improve our site and our content!
– Bryant