Diary of an Artist

Identify an obsession. Give it language.

Dear reader,

I’m often asked about my process and creative practice. In response, I offer up what I know in digestible and generalized summaries, like when I wrote about believing in our art last week, or my approach to social media as a creator, or thinking through creative blocks.

Since January, I’ve worked on a series of color pencil drawings for a show that opens in six days. As honestly as I could, I’ve also written a sentence or two about the process in my notebook almost every day for four months. What follows are over 60 of them. They feel like secrets. I’m sharing them anyway because it feels like the most valuable thing I can offer is not advice, but simply the truth of my experience.

I’ve also included some photos I took in my “studio” throughout the process.

I hope you can make it to the show. If not, contact Charlie at info@cruisecontrolcambria.com for a list of available works. My last solo show sold out. Can I do it again? I really hope so.

Today’s post is for paid subscribers as a thank you for the tangible support. This newsletter is completely reader-supported. You make it possible. I also understand that not everyone is in a position to chip in, and I get it. I will always offer content for everybody. Thank you.

1/14 My productivity waxes and wanes during times like this. You’d think it would make sense to draw all day every day when the rain’s pouring down, but in truth it brings about cabin fever in a way that renders me useless.

1/15 Showing up is the hardest part. I’ve not fully arrived yet. I’m worried the drawings will be boring. I’m worried I’m not going to work as hard as I need to. What would my drawings look like if I just did whatever the fuck I want?

1/16 Wake up and let yourself draw. Remove the stressors. Free your mind of whatever you’re “not doing”.