I began my visual art study as a painter, and drawing is still an incredibly important practice for me. I truly believe that no matter your intention as far as medium; film and video, photography, fashion, sculpture - drawing is vital. For me, it serves as a meditative practice and a space to find inspiration. It is also a system of organization and planning. It is simply my starting point.
Salt water meditations - These images represent a morning practice of collecting salt water from the Atlantic and creating a simple watercolor illustrating the morning horizon line. The small works stretch in sequence across 21 yards of drafting vellum and function as a visual calendar of seasonal shifts.
I am drawn to the way that we move through spaces, the way that we occupy and utilize the space around us. This led me to a love of figure and portraiture, the task of letting go of what we think we see or imagine and investigating the truth in the angles and proportions truly present in front of us. I should note that I am also always happy to draw a dog. Really, truly happy.
In connection to a photo series documenting kitchen appliances and their implementation through a recipe exchange, my practice brought me back to drawing. A quiet moment contemplating a a white apron and a glass blender. I will forever love a rainy day, a cup of tea, and a table scattered with colored pencils.
Credits:
All images created by and copyright to Karen Spears