Mark Making Tools ~no horsing around

I live in a community where asking a neighbour for horse hair is as normal as asking to borrow a cup of sugar. The sensory experience of mark making is so deep in our DNA that only when we take the time to revel in the texture and flow of the ink do we realise this love is bigger than ourselves. Or is that just me?

 The following video is my first application of ink on paper with my homemade horse hair brush. It moved easily across the paper and I was very happy with the result.

 

The character and earthy smell of horse hair really comes out once dipped in the ink.  

The Process

Field notes: Getting back in the grove. Not sure where I am going and not even going to question it. 

Mark making tools, cedar sticks, oil on canvas. Letting my mind wander with no desire to produce a result. Exploring the feeling and discovery lend itself to altered thoughts.
Mark making tools, cedar sticks, oil on canvas. Letting my mind wander with no desire to produce a result. Exploring the feeling and discovery lend itself to altered thoughts.

Art Makes Us Happy

AML: How does art make you happy, Nadina? Creating and producing art, or observing it? 

Me: Anne Marie that is a good question. I don't know the biochemical reasons but I do know the process of creating does make me feel better, my nervous system doesn't know if the work is good or bad. When I view art and make a connection to it I absolutly feel happy. Art elevates, in the creating and the viewing. When I feel transported I know I am in the right place.

Playing with rust, yes iron. The human nervous system and some Icarus reference. Good art, bad art either way my nervous system does not know the difference. I will sleep well tonight.
Playing with rust, yes iron. The human nervous system and some Icarus reference. Good art, bad art either way my nervous system does not know the difference. I will sleep well tonight.