I get overwhelmed a lot. Overwhelmed by information, stimuli, choices, tasks and daily demands. Being overwhelmed often leads to the ‘freeze’ response of not doing anything at all. In the context of art-making, not knowing what to focus on can lead to us not even starting. I frequently hear from people that they want to be creative, but they don't know where to start. 

 

Do you feel that wayFirst name / friend ? While I can't help you much with your stressors or to-do list (sorry, I'd love to wave my magic 🪄 for you!), I can help you with the creative part. Today I'm sharing a very simple tool to help you to literally focus in on your experience.

 

It's not some mind-blowing technology, it's an old 35mm slide mount used as a viewfinder for drawing. This is mine in action on the beach at Descanso Bay on Gabriola Island: 

I used the slide to zoom in on one area of my field of view, cropping out the overwhelming distractions. Yes, the entire view is stunning, but focusing  on one area helps me capture the particularities and enjoy the experience.  

 

You can see in both photos that my sketch wasn't anything amazing. It was a simple, semi-blind (that means I half looked at page while working) drawing with a black Uniball Signo pen that flowed nicely on the paper. Then end result here wasn't as important as the process of looking, feeling and appreciating the place. 

Of course you can use this method for a more elaborate drawing or painting if you wish! The viewfinder can be use horizontally or vertically, and you can extend your arm or bring it closer to your eye to change the view. If you don't have a slide, you can use a X-acto blade to cut a window of any shape and size out of card stock or a cereal box.

 

Try out this little window on the world and see what the experience is like for you 😊 . Remember to take a few deep breaths and then relax into the process. 

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