by Susan Irving

Day three of heat wave. It was so hot today I decided to just sit in the shade, read a bit, and stare at my garden all afternoon.  But then I stared so much I  became fascinated with the sculptural effects of sun and shade on this little vignette in my rock garden.  So I had to go in, fetch my pencils and sketchbook.  The time passed quickly and it was late afternoon before I knew it.  So by spending my day “doing practically nothing” I feel I actually accomplished something.

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Day 5: Out there sitting on my butt sketching all afternoon again. I don’t go out with any particular subject in mind.  I just park my chair in a different shady spot, coat myself with bug juice, and stare at stuff till something speaks to me. 

Anyway, this is a sketch of the very short back door of my barn.  I became fascinated with the dark doorway and the mystery of what else might be in there.  (I know, but I’m not telling!)   The progressive decay of the barn fascinates me, the roughness of the wood, all the little holes that the chimpunks and other creatures use as doorways,  and the general unkemptness. 

Collectif members, send an image (or a few) of very recent work to cagac.ca@gmail.com with up to 100 words describing what you did, materials used, inspiration, etc. Maybe share how you’re feeling & how creativity helps. We’d like an informative, inspiring show & tell. Writers, send us poetry, lyrics, a short piece or excerpt.