How much do we let go, really?

I've been sketching, drawing freely. And I've been thinking about TD as a means to let go. But how far do I let go, really? If I'm not in a group then nobody can see me using my pinky nail to finish off those eyebrows. Do I lack discipline? I am looking at the table where I will do a TD session today, and I am already thinking of the images and colors that I will choose to use, where is the free play in that? Is there healing there? Is it okay that I just want to draw pretty images using TD?
Smiles to all.

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Permalink Reply by Angela Raincatcher on December 4, 2008 at 8:11am: Greetings, Mark.

I find that I have a storehouse of iconic images and symbols that I use in my spirituality and my artwork. TD allows me to play with those more freely and intuitively than other techniques, even just sketching. Using TD to access those images in new ways and bring bits and pieces together to make more complex images gives me a deeper feel for what those images may mean. I also find that I am more willing to play and experiment with TD. Some of my images in a session are meant just for me to access my deeper soul. Some seem to be images that want me to make a more finished work for sharing with others. Some are a combination.

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Permalink Reply by Deborah Koff-Chapin on December 4, 2008 at 5:55pm: Angela, Yes, I really relate to al of this. - Deborah; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Tanya M. Lewis on January 2, 2009 at 7:07pm: Mark,
I believe that there is a tremendous amount of freedom in sitting before a blank sheet of paper and exploring the infinite possibilities about to unfold. Before a blank canvas, I often encounter a certain amount of pressure regarding what the finished product will be , before I even begin. During those times, I force myself to proceed with my non-dominant hand, in an effort to diminish my expectations of perfection. The whole process of Touch Drawing, eliminating tools, using your hands & moving from within without any preconceived ideas or expectations...is indescribable. Even if images & colors dance through my mind...I rarely create what I thought would emerge in the beginning. My hands, in combination with what manifests beneath them...although an extension of myself, is an entity all it's own. Healing through this process, I believe to be inevitable. I will often approach my easels, my drawing table and my art materials and uninspired, ultimately walk away, without having tried to create anything. Touch Drawing however; quietly emerses me into the process and I feel that I am then...simply led to the places I need to be and the expressions that need to emerge. Freedom at that point...is as extraordinary as it appears inevitable.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Mark Runge on January 3, 2009 at 7:21am: Thank you for the replies. I agree that TD allows for a deeper feel of what I know--or think I know. And that is one of my favorite aspects of TD. For me, letting go totally is so difficult. And part of that struggle is the idea of tools, which exist for a specific purpose. But aren't they just an extension of the hand, and ultimately of us? If I am in a dark room, and I am using a stick to "feel" my way around the room, where do I end? And I guess that is why the use of gunpowder is so important for me right now. I must relinquish control and can allow myself to let go. Here is my latest gunpowder drawing. But with this process loose the ability to touch the paper when I remove myself from the process. Maybe I am talking about the spiritual aspect of TD, I am not sure. Maybe I am just lost and need to visit Deborah again? Maybe I just need to hush up and do more TD.

Big smiles to all; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Tanya M. Lewis on January 3, 2009 at 9:45am: Mark, I think at least initially, being in control is something we learn as artists. With each critique or comment, we begin to analyze through the perceptions of others, what we should or shouldn't do to perfect our craft. Often we adopt some of these things as our own perceptions of our work and abilities. Again control is essentially at the root of what we initially create. I do believe that Touch Drawing is an extremely spiritual process and learning to let go is essential to delving deeper within ourselves. Beyond what we think we know, past the analytical and into the primitive heart of who we are. What emerges from that place, manifests through the tools we were born with in one fashion or another and the emotion, clarity, peace and simplicity of it all...defies complete explanation. The process is an extremely personal journey for each person who enters into it.
True, it's difficult at times to choose to walk, when we have a license to drive and the car is waiting in the driveway. But, while driving there are a multitude of distractions that demand our attention. Walking on the other hand, allows us the opportunity to take in the landscape, breathe in the fresh air, listen to the sounds around us and to gather our thoughts and simply relish the feelings of being in the moment.
It is a personal choice and letting go is extremely difficult...but ultimately, the choice is yours.

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Permalink Reply by Deborah Koff-Chapin on January 7, 2009 at 1:40pm: This is the kind of dioscussion I have hoped would happen in the community - I think we are entering a fresh next phase here - thank you for helping to make it happen = please stay connected. Love, Deborah; ▶ Reply to This