For the past few years I have been regularly challenging myself to learn new skills.
Some in the professional field, some in the "I always wanted to do that but never had the guts to try it" field.
And so I started sketching and after a few years of pen and paper I thought it would be a good idea to splash a few watercolours on the black and white splotches.
It was then the turn of acrylics.
Sure, it was just colours right?
Wrong... but then again, no harm in trying, and trying and trying...
And some of the pages give me back some nice pictures, some proudly adorning our walls at home, some being purchased by people that have seem to enjoy my style.
A lot of them still in the blank pages waiting to see the light of the day.
Recently I read a great book, A whole new mind, by Daniel H. Pink where he argues for the importance of both our brain's hemispheres needed to be engaged, to give us a more emphatic and creative society that goes beyond the linearity that has been instilled in us since the industrial revolution and it is currently being taken over by A.I.
It is a great read.
Drawing on the right side of the brain, by Betty Edwards reinforces the importance of given the lesser used hemisphere a bit more time to flourish.
Whether is trying to produce a painting or learning a new song on the piano, I find the benefit of letting the left side of the brain take a rest on a daily basis a very worthwhile exercise, that also produces interesting results (although I feel for my neighbours having to endure my renditions of "Ain't no sunshine" on the piano !!!)
Now, I understand what you tried to say to me
And how you suffered for your sanity
And how you tried to set them free
They would not listen, they did not know how
Perhaps they'll listen now
Vincent, by Don Mclean