Visual Mapping and the Art of the Doodle

In the last week, as if a sign from above, I've found out a little more about how I might better organise my mind, problem solve and never again nearly forget a school sports day due to an impending professional deadline.

Last week's Work section of the Saturday Guardian (12/07/08) mentioned Dan Roam's new book 'The Back of the Napkin: Problem Solving and Selling Ideas with Pictures'. Although targeted towards businesses, this little gem of a book shows how we can employ those little stick men we thought we're frankly rubbish, to our advantage. It seems so blindingly obvious to use visual cues to break information down simply but since so many people apparently 'can't draw' (quite untrue I say) I think we've forgotten the effectiveness of the doodle and Mr A Stick.

This book and the theory of visual thinking isn't actually anything new, it's just reawakening something in all of us (think cave paintings here). Also in an age when slick digital graphics surround us those little doodles we create look somewhat naive but are actually so effective and incredibly charming. Anyway to find out more here's the link to Dan Roam's Blog.

Somebody also pointed out the art of mind mapping as a means of organising our days/ambitions/dreams into a coherent and visual manner. As an artist this technique seemed very appealing so here's my attempt at an amalgamation of both techniques, my own 'visual mapping' entitled 'Why I'm No Picasso'. (Tip: click the image to read it.)

For The Love of Shoe

And HOW I love shoes
(both acrylic and beads on canvas)

Return of a Maverick

I was here to talk about art and music which got me thinking about....

Sunday 6th July, The Hop Farm Festival. No escape from the pouring rain, howling winds (well not quite but I'm adding to the suspense here) as we await the return of a true rock god: Neil Young. Words will not suffice my emotion at seeing this 'unknown legend' return to a UK stage along with Rufus Wainwright, Laura Marling, Supergrass et al. The festival website boasted "a truly unique experience, the event being totally unbranded, no sponsorship .... returning live music to its roots ....blah blah blah" For me, it worked and yes we only had one thing on our mind...Neil, Neil, Neil but hey after a wet wind swept day aside festival groupies, the grey rock brigade, yum mums avec designer picnic and plain old me who could have asked for a better show. All the acts put in a good performance but when this maverick emerged in his paint spattered suit and solemn scowl....WOW! Passion, emotion, energy and a bit of live painting to boot. My my, hey hey

I hear for 2009 they'll be turning this event into a three day fest. If this year was anything to go by it'll be a good show. However let's hope they make a little more provision for the British summertime next year.
(image courtesy of NOTW)

New Beginnings

How to start a new blog? Well, since I'm here to showcase my work, here's a new painting I'm working on along with some sketchbook work.

Anyone familiar with my work will know I have a penchant for the female face and these pieces follow this theme. Currently I'm particularly keen on exploring the relationship between strength and femininity without compromise.

My work has developed dramatically over the last year as has my confidence as an artist after a short spell at Hastings College where I'd started a contemporary fine art foundation degree. Life circumstances meant I had to leave the course early on but the term I spent there was eye opening, thought provoking and taught me an invaluable amount.

These sketches and paintings are produced using acrylic, oils and collaged using various papers. "Boudica" (above) measures 60 x 90cm.

Detail of Boudica Sketch


















Sketch for Boudica (A3)