2020 Daily Drawing Series
Marker and ink on dot paper (January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020)
In 2020 I committed to doing (at least) one drawing a day. This series began as a way to ensure that I will exercise my artistic eye consistently and create a time capsule of existence for a set period time. As the series has developed, it has inevitably turned into a daily practice that has transformed my core body of work and the way I approach my creative process.
For years I have struggled to keep a single sketchbook. I typically gravitate toward loose paper, rather than bound, as a way to better control the medium. With the ability to freely turn, flip, and manipulate the page, I try to embrace the ability to work without the limitations of a set size or orientation.
In this series, although the pages begin from the same dot drawing pad, pages are torn out, sketched on, and free to transform into whatever they may become. When “complete” the daily sketch is then dated and placed into a binder of plastic protective sheets in sequential order. Some drawings evolve into larger works, while others simply exist as a documentation of a passing thought, lingering concept, or simple proof of my existence that day.
This is an ongoing series in development. Images of the drawings will be updated below periodically.
December 31, 2021 - Series Reflection
It is almost a poetic sign that these drawings become less of a focus toward the ladder end of 2020. I started this series as an emerging artist who was just starting to believe in herself again. I had only made a handful of cohesive pieces by the end of 2019 and committed to this daily drawing series as a way to keep myself accountable for making art a priority in 2020. No one could have predicted the historic year we would have, but I can confidently say that as a result of these drawings, I am leaps and bounds further in my creative journey that I EVER could have predicted on January 1, 2020. Throughout this year, I checked of several big milestones!
• My first group display at Lucky Tree.
• My first acceptance to an open call exhibition at 311 Gallery.
• Starting my email newsletters.
• Launching my online shop and blog.
• Producing my first collection of pieces, the Color Catcher Series
• My first sale, my first sale out of state & my first sale to a total stranger.
• Getting accepted and moving into Artspace Studio 214! (which was on my 3 year vision board!)
• Being featured in multiple online publications including MilkToast magazine, the Virginia Tech Alumni Spotlight Newsletter and several local social media platforms!
• My first large commissioned project
• And my first solo display at Industrious in downtown Raleigh to start 2021.
As we wrap up December I was so busy with my art practice that the daily drawings fell off the priority list most days, but I think January 2020 Jackie would let that slide. If she only knew what this daily drawing commitment would bring… I think she would be pretty proud of where we are now and the opportunities we have had this year.
2020 has been historic for so many reason and I have no doubt that I would not be the person I am today if I didn’t have my studio practice as a small, colorful, retreat from the world to process, reflect and grow stronger through the changes the world and I experienced in 2020.
While I will not be continuing this commitment to daily drawings in 2021, pen and paper drawing will always be a large part of my process and I am so beyond proud of the work these drawings inspired this year.
Now onto dreaming bigger art dreams for 2021!
