Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, Ireland
I just returned from a weekend in Dublin, visiting a friend who recently got a job lecturing in medieval art history (think the Book of Kells) at Trinity College Dublin (I'm so proud of her!).
I've never been a very good at keeping travel sketchbooks, so I decided that my one goal for this trip was to take some time to do some sketching. Luckily it wasn't too cold in Dublin, so I didn't have to try to hold a pencil with mittens.
I only brought pencils along with me; I tend to pack far too many art supplies and then never use them at all. This time, I only travelled with a selection of pencils, an eraser and a sketchbook. The simplicity of my supplies made the sketching less intimidating. There were no decisions to be made (pen or pencil? Colour or no?), and less to carry in my satchel.
I haven't posted all my sketches. Many of them were really messy, just little doodles to help me remember moments I enjoyed.
This trip to Dublin was a substitute for going to Bologna. The past two years I have joined thousands of children's book writers and illustrators in an annual pilgrimage to the Bologna Children's Book Fair. I love the fair, and I love spending time with so many talented and inspiring people...
But this year is different...
For the longest time I've been working relentlessly towards my goal of becoming a children's book writer and illustrator. I love what I do, and I love striving for ever-greater opportunities... but... somehow...the relentless pursuit of one goal at the expense of everything else results in a very flat and shallow life.
I need to take a small step back to spend time with my friends; have new experiences; be inspired by the random things I encounter.
And on that note, I need to hunker down in my studio and work towards another illustration deadline (due Friday! eek!).
Dublin Castle
Georgian House and Plane Tree, Dawson Street, Dublin