I’ve been using sketchbooks for almost ten years, and I really don’t see myself ever stopping. In terms of my art practice, sketchbooks have been really useful. One way that I use my sketchbook is to test out new materials. Another way that I use my sketchbook is to practice drawing. In order to loosen up my lines I practice making quick sketches (that take only a minute or two to draw), and this, more than anything else, has helped me develop my style. I also like to experiment with mixed media, and sketchbooks are a great place to do this because I use ones that are on the smaller side which allows me to make an entire spread in one sitting. I also enjoy drawing from reference photos, and I have a few examples in this portfolio of where I’ve used photos from my travels and later made a sketch of the place or thing.

My general approach toward using sketchbooks is to think of them as a low stakes place where I can experiment. I have a lot of sketchbooks and while I don’t love everything that I’ve made, I do find myself having very vivid sensory responses to the memories attached to each spread. All of these sketchbooks represent glimpses into different times in my life that I can recall being in a lot of pain (physical or emotional), or when some other significant thing was happening and my response was to make something pretty, because everything can’t be shit all the time.