Art, in every way shape and form, has been a passion of mine since I was little. I have been drawing ever since I can remember. Several years ago I started a “dynamic” life drawing class which taught me to throw away my whole concept of art as programmed into me by my art teachers (and society as a whole) and appreciate the energy, vitality and integrity of an unintended, unplanned mark or drawing. To achieve this we are only given a minute or two to complete each artwork. We are also encouraged to draw with our non-dominant hand; with both hands; or even with our eyes shut.
It’s quite challenging to reprogram oneself from the idea of what makes a piece of art; to draw or paint without hesitation or the approval of the imaginary art-critic looming over every artists’ shoulder as they draw; to throw away the notion that art has to be photographic; realistic or even resemble anything at all. Soon my weekly life-drawing sessions became a kind of therapy, and through my fast, intimate, uninhibited marks I was able to truly experience complete and utter freedom of expression, and uncover truths about who I am, through discovering my own unique language. It has become my weekly meditation.
As when you sign your name, it’s without hesitation and the result is a pure example of your own language, and it is the language an artist uses in their work which makes you able to recognise that art as being done by that person; it is a portrayal of their very essence.
By attacking the canvas or paper with a sense of reckless abandonment, marks are given energy, movement and life, and when I am able to truly BE in the moment and capture that moment, I feel a deep trance-inducing energy; a primal, instinctual connection to the earth which I draw up through my feet and fire onto the page like a loaded cannon. Sometimes the visual result conjures disturbing or uncomfortable feelings, and sometimes the result is a joyous feast for the eyes. To me, any kind of reaction art attracts are equally well received, because whether the marks are visually pleasing or not, if they are done with sincerity, they have an undeniable integrity which I whole-heartedly respect and admire.
Leith O'Malley
Nice to know there are others who share this obsession… this infatuation to create art.
Brett Whiteley certainly nailed it when he called it “Difficult Pleasure”.
Wonderful words Bonnie, and wonderful art.
robert murray
yes I agree with what you say Bonnie when I was going to school I never had a pass in art ,music ,english or maths, but since leaving school, I have, by experience been using and making a living out of all of them till I retired and I am still doing the same thing, but at a lesser extent
tahra2
bonnie u speak what i feel…i have to start some art class´s to free my mind from the wayi was tought…i have so much passion to paint and yet i feel so frustration because i cant express it freely.i guess its because im trying to control what i put on the paper, whichi dontreally want todobut im stuck in old pattens…i admire ur freedom when u paint, seeing ur painting re-inspire me tokeep the path that i cant apint!!!
one question,i love the picture of the girlin her stride and looked intobuying it but i want it big but could find where i could get it in the largest size,any ideas?
ur amazing!!! lots of love….xxx tahra xxx
Bonnie Aungle
Hi Tahra, sorry for the late reply but I have only just noticed your comment.
I would be happy to post a larger image of the girl in her stride for you to purchase.
The other option is, I can sell you the original and post it to you.
Thank you for your kind remarks and encouragement, we all need it.
Some advice I have for you in surrendering control when you draw is try try exercises such as drawing with your left hand (if you are right handed, or vice versa); and drawing without looking at your paper. The results can be quite amazing.
I’d also like to add to this post that after 6 years of attending this dynamic life drawing class, I have now taken over as the facilitator! I’ve been running it for almost 2 years now. It’s wonderful to share ideas with a room full of wonderful, creative people and gain inspiration from each other.
BLYTHART
I have always felt that art is self-expression. How can it be that when we are taught HOW to do it. I never went to art school and I always wish I had. Now though – I’m not sure.