12 Comments

Changing up my practice or trying new techniques is always so fun to me. A few days ago I tried out a new (to me) guitar tuning. It got me using new chord shapes and voicings that sound really interesting.

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How fascinating! I didn’t know a different guitar tuning could lead to new chord shapes. Experimentation can really keep our creative practices alive and thriving!

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Stunning art and journal!

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Thank you, Mya!

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I like the idea of creating a larger canvas and cutting it up. It reminds me of a project a local friend has been doing for a while. He recycles the old Iwami Kagura Orochi (dragon) bodies, which are made of Japanese paper and bamboo hoops, and makes crafts out of them. Your paper reminds me of that. We bought a few tissue boxes from him, but he also makes other things. (I realize you probably have no idea what Iwami Kagura is, so here is a link to a video with the dragons: https://youtu.be/gymhpJcqbtc?si=j2JuMue5QSjZ1iOI&t=221)

As for myself, while I was watching basketball today, I was wondering about the players' stats, so I decided to make a project to sketch each player along with their stats. It is just a way to focus on drawing people, which I have avoided for too long...

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Your friend’s project sounds incredible! Is there somewhere where I can see his work? And thank you for sharing the link to the video with dragons. I think I’ve seen something similar in movies, for the Chinese dragon festival, but I didn’t know what they were called. Your project sounds interesting, too! Such a great way to combine both of your interests -- drawing & basketball. I’d love to see your sketches if you share them somewhere.

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I don't know if he sells his products online, but I found a site where he sells the raw paper once it is 'harvested' from the Orochi body. https://japanfinepapers.com/product/orochigami/

Also, you can find him on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/jyadoukoshi

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Thank you! :)

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It's amazing how often we find ourselves initially resisting the chaos of experimentation, only to discover that embracing the mess is where the magic happens. Letting go of control and staying open to change are valuable not just in art but also in life. Thanks for sharing your experience and the valuable life lessons that come with it!

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I think the interesting thing, Winston, is how often we resist the chaos of experimentation despite knowing that it more often than not leads to magic! I sure find myself in this place of resistance with my art quite often. In life too, of course!

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Thanks for sharing! What a beautiful project, and meaningful life lesson :)

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Thank you, Sydney! Much appreciated :)

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