"When I am drawing, I let my mind go quiet and don’t think too hard."
In its sixth year of publication, illustrator Maris Howell and I celebrate our picture poetry book specifically dedicated to the autistic, ADD and ADHD communities, Dozy Poems, Cozy Days.
Following is a summarized glimpse of Maris' responses when he was interviewed by a special ed student pursuing artistic and writing goals of her own.
"Hello Julie! It's good to hear that our book is well liked in your library. I hope I can answer most of your inquiries and provide you with encouragment on your own ambitions toward the arts.
I recently graduated college with an accounting degree and am working in a wonderful firm, but I illustrated those poems when I was 19/20 years old.
I participated in various art classes outside of school for things like drawing, sketching, and illustrating. I remember less of what I actually drew but I remember more vividly all the great teachers I had that were very passionate about art and showed me how art can be a therapeutic, healthy outlet.
When I illustrated Dozy Poems, Cozy Days I just zoned out and went to work. Most of the time when I am drawing, I let my mind go quiet and don’t think too hard.
There were no outside influences with respect to my illustrating. I find my best work is when I concentrate on the subject and let my hand do the rest! I use my imagination and focus on one drawing at a time without thinking about the bigger picture until later on.
I used many different sizes of brushes and applied different drawing methods throughout. It was fun and relaxing.
I would love to participate in more art activities in the future as a hobby because it's such a great outlet and it's good for me to use the other side of my brain!
Take your time to discover what's best for yourself. For me, I just don’t push too hard or consider any drawing a failure. Each drawing has the chance to provide you with insight and more confidence.
My advice? Don't give up on what you want to do. This has helped me with life in general. If you are ever stuck, try switching things around or make a change. This will open up more opportunities and possibilities. "Dozy Poems, Cozy Days: Poems to Calm the Active Child
Following is a summarized glimpse of Maris' responses when he was interviewed by a special ed student pursuing artistic and writing goals of her own.
"Hello Julie! It's good to hear that our book is well liked in your library. I hope I can answer most of your inquiries and provide you with encouragment on your own ambitions toward the arts.
I recently graduated college with an accounting degree and am working in a wonderful firm, but I illustrated those poems when I was 19/20 years old.
I participated in various art classes outside of school for things like drawing, sketching, and illustrating. I remember less of what I actually drew but I remember more vividly all the great teachers I had that were very passionate about art and showed me how art can be a therapeutic, healthy outlet.
When I illustrated Dozy Poems, Cozy Days I just zoned out and went to work. Most of the time when I am drawing, I let my mind go quiet and don’t think too hard.
There were no outside influences with respect to my illustrating. I find my best work is when I concentrate on the subject and let my hand do the rest! I use my imagination and focus on one drawing at a time without thinking about the bigger picture until later on.
I used many different sizes of brushes and applied different drawing methods throughout. It was fun and relaxing.
I would love to participate in more art activities in the future as a hobby because it's such a great outlet and it's good for me to use the other side of my brain!
Take your time to discover what's best for yourself. For me, I just don’t push too hard or consider any drawing a failure. Each drawing has the chance to provide you with insight and more confidence.
My advice? Don't give up on what you want to do. This has helped me with life in general. If you are ever stuck, try switching things around or make a change. This will open up more opportunities and possibilities. "Dozy Poems, Cozy Days: Poems to Calm the Active Child
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Marian
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Jan 16, 2020 06:43AM
This is excellent - and soothing! - advice about how to approach and actualize any creative project. Thanks!
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Marian wrote: "This is excellent - and soothing! - advice about how to approach and actualize any creative project. Thanks!"...and you know, hopefully inspiring for young people - that you don't have to hit a certain age to be able to accomplish many creative goals. Thanks, Marian, for your kind comment!
