Tracing

During COVID-19, I experienced a range of emotions and wanted to record them as a form of self-reflection. I focused on drawing in response to an internal observation to allow for the suspension of judgement and expression.

I was influenced by Henri Michaux’s ink prints (Artnet, n.d.). His visual art consisted of squiggly and organic abstractions which showed uncontrived internal observations. He experimented with psychedelic drugs (e.g., LSD and mescaline) to broaden his senses and to heighten the self-reflection process. I did not employ this method for my own reflections but I did value the need to suspend conscious control and to allow the unconscious to unravel itself.

I also found Rebecca Horn’s “Pencil Mask” especially insightful for observing authentic and rthymic body movement (Tate, n.d.). Through the mask, she transformed the wearer’s head into an instrument for drawing; Perhaps by limiting control on our drawing implement, there’s an avenue to reveal more authentic observations.

In this series, I used Chinese ink as the predominant medium. I also chose chopsticks as the drawing tool to limit my conscious control of the implement, and to allow for careful and detailed observation. On most accounts I held my eyes closed to really focus on my feelings. It is a record of my daily internal emotions. 

References:

Artnet. (n.d.). Henri Michaux. Retrieved from: http://www.artnet.com/artists/henri-michaux/

Tate. (n.d.). Rebecca Horn ‘Pencil Mask’ 1972. Retrieved from: https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/horn-pencil-mask-t07847