Charcoals
My first encounter with charcoals was during my time at junior college. I was taking a figure drawing class when I really got the opportunity to explore the expansive realm of charcoal, pastel, and conte. My professor during my this time of exploration, emphasized on creating darkness and to never be afraid of the darkness for you can always make it back to the light (words of wisdom I can take beyond the paper). My professor, Elder Eric, said that in order for one to reach the light they must sacrifice the wholeness of their sacred white eraser. One must find it in themselves to tear their holy white eraser in order to decrease the torque and stabilize where the white edges of the eraser meets the surface of the paper. This allows for a full range of pressure to be utilized, so the desired highlight can be achieved. On a final note, when one is dealing with charcoal, one must persevere through the mess. No matter how disencouraging the in progression looks from the desired end goal, one must push through because charcoal can be molded like clay, but on paper.
Ink
Ink was an interesting discovery that resonated with me. The fluidness allows for spontaneous figures to emerge, therefore emphasizing the iconic Bob Ross’s idea of “happy little accidents.” The nature of ink is derived from its spontaneity, so this medium can never be boring. It can be frustrating, invigorating, and enticing, but never boring. Through my personal experience, I can go into a heavily ink dependent project with an end goal in mind that never seems to carry through. Instead of having full control of the turn out of the piece, I work with the spontaneity of the ink which exercises my mental ability to free think. By constantly reminding myself to work with what presents itself in the moment, I practice adaptability and the art of letting go. This mentality that working with ink enforces is one that I truly cherish because it is a lesson that goes beyond the scope of any drawing surface. Unlike the moldability of charcoal, ink has its own advantages in being permanent with every stroke. Each stroke, although unpredictable most of the time, must have intent behind it because it is not easily undone.
Graphite
Graphite as a medium, I hold it close to my heart. Graphite and I go way back to my early days. As a young girl when I initially became inspired to walk the path of an artist, the only tool I had to my disposal was a graphite pencil. This mere graphite pencil became my weapon to defend against boredom during my elementary through high school classes. Of course we faced obstacles together like disapproving teachers and other authority/disciplinary figures, but we got through it all. This perseverance only made our bond stronger and it allowed the graphite pencil’s speciality to shine through. As can be expected, I did not recognize its true potential at times when other shiny and appealing mediums walked by. Later on though, I started reflecting upon my past accomplishments and how I came to be the artist who I am today and I realized that graphite’s gift was consistency. Graphite pencil has always been an option for me when I had no other medium. Graphite pencil never ceased to work after returning back to it from exploring another medium which allowed me to grow as an artist. Therefore, graphite pencil is the ultimate weapon.