Look at that
Create something fun
I’m surprised and delighted about my enthusiasm to organize a new internal event at my work. It reminds me of this feeling I had when creating new events during my time as a startup enthusiast and activist in my area. This excitement at bringing folks together and doing something fun. And it’s such a great feeling to spread this enthusiasm to my colleagues who are pleased and ready for this adventure. Let’s see how it goes.
Rough thoughts about the universe
I like those surprising moments when you come across things you didn’t know you were looking for and they take you further along your way. One of those moments was when I was looking for something work related on the Eventbrite website and one of the first events featured was this Louise Bourgeois-inspired drawing class.
The Louise Bourgeois exhibition I saw in Berlin some months ago was one of my most inspiring experiences in recent years. And to find it was another one of those surprising moments when the universe sends you the information you need.
It happened when I was in Berlin looking for interesting exhibitions. I found this, but also found out that it would only start after I had already left Berlin. But deep in my gut or heart I knew I had to see this exhibition. So I did, and it made a deep impression on me.
And recently, another such moment. After talking to my sister recently about the important things in life, I was looking for exhibitions in the area where I live and came across Helen Frankenthaler’s exhibition. She was a painter in the circle of another painter whom I have admired for many years, but never had the opportunity to see some of her (huge) paintings. And now it is this exhibition, and again I feel I should see her paintings and learn something about her.
I think the important thing is to trust your gut and really make some effort to take what it leads you to. To be curious and awake and open for what your body tells you is the right thing for you to do. Then you receive all these messages from the universe.
What I’m doing now
A while ago I came across the idea of Derek Sivers to set up a NOW page on your website, which has become a real movement. The wonderful thing about this page is that you share what is important to you now, and what your current projects are, not just related to your work.
My last update was in June 2022. In the meantime, so many things have happened and changed in my life. So I did an update. You can find it here.
Make yourself redundant
I heard an interesting quote today:
„If you can make yourself redundant, then you can start to take control of your own destiny.“
Have to think about that.
Blind Drawing
At the weekend I learned the techniques of slow looking and blind drawing in a course run by the lovely London Drawing Group. The course was inspired by the artist Louise Bourgeois. So we looked at some of her sculptures slowly and drew them without looking at the paper.
Here’s what came out of it for me:
It was fun, but you also become aware of details that you might miss if you don’t look too closely.
My idea now is to practice this for a while. Blindly drawing something I see or imagine in front of me.
I’m curious to see if this is something that can be improved.
Today I drew the silhouette of Batman. I was surprised by the result. It was better than expected. Even though he looks a bit like the Hunchback of the Batcave.
What we also learned is to do a quick (almost) blind drawing and then take a bit more time to refine it.
So I took a bit of time and refined it. If you can call it that.
I’ll do more of these and keep you posted.
Guest appearance
Snow had a short guest appearance this winter. I’m glad we were there.
A bird
There was this illustration of a clitoris. And it reminded me of a bird!
The year of challenges
This year seems to be the year of challenges.
What shows that I really mean it: I have my laptop with me on the way to my Friday night date to write my daily post for my 31-day blog challenge! How committed is that!
Today I started my second challenge: to go running 20 times this year. That’s totally doable, but last year I didn’t make it because of lack of commitment.
What makes me optimistic is that I didn’t feel any resistance today. I just put on my running clothes and my brand new and wonderful running shoes and out for a run!
Let’s see how it goes.
Clouds and sky
I love clouds and the sky. I really enjoy looking at them. Especially when they impress me with their beauty, the hugeness and colors and light. January has been very generous with such views. These are my favorites so far.
