Word Drawings
January 2019 to March 2025 so far
This is the cover of a 5” square sketchbook, padded and so special that I’d saved it. You don’t want to sketch just anything in such a book. The paper is heavy, textured on one side and smooth on the other.
In 2019, I took a Stanford online drawing class, hoping to explore new ways to think. I’d cut my graphic teeth on typography; what designer/artist isn’t crazy about typography? Starting grad school at 57, specific words helped me focus. I pinned a list on the wall along with some random but inspiring quote from Eckhart Tolle though I’ve never read him.
One phrase that resonated then was “cognitive dissonance,” and that was what I sought in sculpture, besides the color cobalt blue. Titles of my “drawings in space” were critical.
In the Stanford class, the graphic nature of words was an experiment worth trying. As the trump years were another factor, I drew. As each year passes, specific words stick. I’m in love with irony, dichotomy, absurdity.
The drawings in order
In 2019, I was made as in forced–by someone I thought was a friend, to confront my own privilege, my own white fragility. I remember protesting, “What do you mean, I’m white?” When I say this, I’m not exaggerating. That’s exactly what my reaction was, and let’s admit it, we all have some form of bigotry, clearly expressed by the person who revealed their own, about what they thought I am.
Not only did the scale between hope and hopelessness start sliding the wrong way, the concept of “justice,” as in the justices, courts, rule of law–all compromised.
We, and I say “we” meaning those who believe in civil rights and the rule of law began to feel fear. Serious fear, especially if we have children. Or maybe we only look white; if “they” search my genetic tests, I’m screwed.
It was a beautiful day yesterday with the sun so warm that I had to find my drawing stuff and complete some of the words I’d started in 2022.
It’s ongoing. Coming soon: misOGYNY or misAGyny as in agony (had to look up the spelling), gerryMANdering, REsist, plunder, and BROligarchy for starters. It’s hard to plan ahead. Rather, it’s no fun to plan ahead. Gotta do something with Civil Rights: maybe in disappearing ink?
I’d love to hear your suggestions for other words. Feel free to comment and share.