Focusing your inner world
For my work as an illustrator, I train my antennae. They have become quite muscular by now. When I create a live visual report at a meeting or event, I pick up on all sorts of things:
- content: what is the core and common thread of this story?
- imagery: do I hear beautiful metaphors and imagery?
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- energy: what is happening in the interaction between speaker and audience?
That last part is interesting, because you can hardly see it. But you can feel it! When things get tense, I feel increasing energy in the air. People sit up a little straighter. Or the sudden release caused by a good joke (laughs!). I also often recognize the masks people wear when they take themselves too seriously or are insecure. I find that group dynamic between individuals incredibly interesting and often incorporate some of it into the presentation of my images at the end of a gathering.
With those same antennae, I look around me in the world, big and small. I marvel at how people react to one another. On polarized black-and-white discussions. Because I want to understand what is happening, I have read many books about the human inner and outer worlds, and especially the interplay between them. Very interesting.
I started ‘capturing’ my insights in drawings. For me, that is the way to hold onto them and start seeing the bigger picture. Making connections. I am beginning to understand better and better what is happening in both my inner and outer worlds. Why I do what I do. This awareness is interesting, because it allows me to consciously choose what I really want, instead of doing it unconsciously.
I think my exploration is never finished. It is ‘work in progress’. I also have no idea where it will lead. I do know that it gives me a lot of energy. That is why I enjoy sharing pictures. So that I can inspire others with them as well.
