Week 6 – Draw Something LARGE in Chalk and Charcoal
I haven’t used chalk and charcoal or worked “large” for a while now. With some trepidation I approached this week’s challenge.
I have been upset by the terrible earthquake in Turkey and Syria this week. My creative ideas and energy low. Time has ticked away and I had to complete the piece of work today.
I scheduled my creative time after my Sunday morning trip to Church. The first hymn was All Things Bright and Beautiful. This is possibly the first hymn I ever learnt to sing at primary school.
Inspiration
And that is the source of my inspiration today. All Creatures Great and Small. Smallness can be the greatest of all things. Something small, drawn big.
I used a piece of wrapping paper I had kept – 1m 40cm x 70cm. I found my box of charcoal and only one small piece of white chalk. And then I began.
Symbolism of the Creatures
Wren – in art this tiny bird is often associated with musicians, poets and songwriters. People who craft with the written word. The wren can also symbolise rebirth, immortality and protection.
Ladybug – they are a call for you to pay attention. They symbolise good luck and are a positive omen. These tiny creatures are very good at looking after themselves. If certain predators, who enjoy a live insect for lunch are around, the ladybug can “play dead”. There are over 6,000 species of ladybug around the world. They also symbolise protection and remind us to look after the things we love as well as ourselves.
Centipede – this little creature symbolises balance. Not surprising with anything from 15 – 155 pairs of legs. When I told my husband this amazing fact his response was “that’s one hell of a trip to the shoe shop”. The centipede also symbolises courage v fear, resourcefulness and creativity.
Snail – they are associated with wisdom, slow progress, persistence, peace and harmony. They are gentle creatures who carry their home with them. Above all else they represent self-care and self-love when in times of danger, they can retreat into their shells for protection. The spiral shell symbolises reincarnation and the soft body of the snail – transience.
Bumblebee – The bumblebee is all about focus. Keeping an eye and mind on the goal and the objectives. So appropriate for me this afternoon. I just had to keep working, remain focussed on my goal with no distractions.
Review
I thoroughly enjoyed doing this piece of work. I became so absorbed in this and I had forgotten how forgiving the charcoal is. I can easily rub out the lines, move things around and fill spaces. Mark making is just the best thing to be doing. It is so relaxing.
I can see areas that can be improved and I can see this going forward into a textile piece. Overcoming fear and anxiety with courage – thanks to the centipede.