Monday, July 08, 2013

sitting here resting my bones

To say the last few days have been stressful would be an understatement. I've had no internet, at home, for ten days now. I've spent hours on the phone to my internet provider getting technical 'help', had one massive sweary rant at an obnoxious member of their 'customer care' team and then broke down tears to an overly nice lady in their Essex office (I've spoken to every office they have). It sounds pathetic, I know. But when your business and livelihood relies on you being online it's more than just missing messing around on Facebook or Twitter. Although, I've missed that too.

And things just seemed to get worse and worse. Mostly brought on by myself and my inability to function as an actual human being in the real world. By Saturday, and after a series of unbelievably embarrassing Larry David moments (I'll tell you about it another time, it's still raw), I just never wanted to leave the house ever again. But I did, and on Sunday I had a lovely afternoon, chilling and watching (well, drawing) some cricket with my sketching friends. So, everything feels better now. And, suddenly I have internet. It just started working. I have no idea how long I'll have it for but as soon as I noticed it was working I rugby tackled the laptop and started typing this.

These are all drawings I've made, out and about, over the last few days. I found some old calligraphy pens that I haven't used for years and have been getting hooked on the gorgeous unpredictable flow of a fountain pen nib. Below are some piss poor figure drawings from the cricket match. There are some moments and lines I like though. Specifically the ones that I picked out with that thick nib.


11 comments:

eSeN said...

Welcome back! :)

Unknown said...

That's a great bunch of drawings! I really admire you for doing that. I should do more of that on-the-spot sketching. I think it helps your drawing skills, obviously, but also your confidence in your own skills! What's up with that internet provider? Who is it? I want to make sure I never sign up with them! I hope it gets back to normal soon! Oh, and I completely identify with the statement "my inability to function as an actual human being in the real world". Does everybody feel that way, or just us artists?

Anonymous said...

i just started paying attention to things around me and have not yet taken the "artist plunge" so consider myself not an artist and yes everybody feels that way... and while i am sorry your internet went down you did benefit because you had more time to draw- i find i look at other people's drawing instead of making myself draw (mr. gregory's monkey) - and i have enjoyed your drawings for many years. thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

i just started paying attention to things around me and have not yet taken the "artist plunge" so consider myself not an artist and yes everybody feels that way... and while i am sorry your internet went down you did benefit because you had more time to draw- i find i look at other people's drawing instead of making myself draw (mr. gregory's monkey) - and i have enjoyed your drawings for many years. thanks for sharing!

Polly Birchall said...

It is surprising how bereft we feel if we lose our internet! Especially for people who rely on it. I love your little drawing and it is something I like to do, though I am not very good at it. It makes something boring really quite good fun.

wideeyedtree said...

Your work is awesome!

Caroline B said...

Doesn't it feel like you've lost a limb when you have no internet? Totally understand, as most of my work arrives via the web too.
Great sketches - your idea of 'piss poor' would make a lot of other people very happy...

Sharon said...

So glad you are back on line.
I am a new fan and do love,love your artwork. I am just learning how to draw with a pen and have learned a lot here. Thank you so much for writing here and sharing what you have been up to. I enjoy it much!!
Sharon from Idaho, USA

beckasharpe said...

Love love LOVE these. The green tones, the line weights and the squiggley writing. Brilliant.
Glad you've got communication back, but sorry it's been so stressful :( I hope you get more time to relax and sketch in the sunshine.

andrea joseph's sketchblog said...

Thank you guys,

Katherine, I thought about naming the provider and will do very soon should this continue! I, too, wonder if everyone feels that way, although, looking at my friends it seems to be the more, erm, creative types!

Oh, and getting out and about has moved my drawing skills dramatically. Find a sketchcrawl group. It's made all the difference to me and my confidence.

Anon, thank you. So, it is everyone? Why do other people make it look so easy? I hope one day you take the plunge. Do it when nobody is looking!

Girls, yes indeed, what on earth did we do without internet? WHAT? you need it for everything. For train times, recipes, stocking up my shop. For, reference pictures, for news, for keeping in touch with.......

Thanks you all for the lovely kind comments about my work. I appreciate them muchly.

Andria said...

Welcome back! So sorry for your hassle. I can assure you that your "piss poor" drawings put my very best efforts to shame. Hoping your next week is stress-free!