life drawing sp '12 | imperfections

In seeking perfection, students often miss life's subtleties--whether their contour sweeps past, with a controlling hand, or they fixate on taming an elusive shadow.
  
In his book, wabi sabi, the art of impermanence, Andrew Juniper writes:

"If a bowl is supposed to be perfect in its form and glaze, then, apart from the inevitable flaws that it will have, there will be less to hold the attention. By making something symmetrical the artist is giving little opportunity for the beholder to add anything to the piece, since it is supposed to be complete. On the other hand, by making asymmetrical pieces or pieces that may appear physically imperfect, the artist is offering an opportunity to get involved in the piece and to help complete the picture, or to even reflect on the seemingly imperfect nature of life itself."

This week's class was a struggle for many. A new technique, offering, of all things--flexibility--was met with frustration. No line, not even a gesture, was used to begin--just the side of the charcoal. Was it worth the challenge? As I see it, growth is in the struggle, and the imperfections are life itself. So, pat yourself on the back, and simply put (in my metaphorical phrasing): out of the fog--of vine charcoal--will come the light. 

Jonathan Pisano 

Cecil Pang