I work very spontaneously most of the time, and I don't plan many things out or make sketches. I do explore ideas quite a bit in my journal and in smaller works giving me a lot of practice with images and technique. But I always want my work to be about discovering something.
Lately, I have been drawn to imagery that I first explored more than six years ago in my Excavation series. I have been fascinated with the geometric shapes radiating from a central point, and this concept is perfect for exploring as line work using black ink. I might even explore this idea as larger works and paintings.
Over the last two days I have been working on a new radiating piece similar to one that I shared a few days ago in this post. With that first drawing, I draw the entire thing with the pens, and though I like how it turned out overall, there are a few things that feel "off" about it. I wanted to minimize these "off" feeling parts, so for this new piece, I sketched a design in pencil first. I drew it completely freehand, no rulers and no compasses, and I purposefully made some parts a little "off". I've been slowly developing the line quality and the texture, and I'll share more when finished.
Interestingly, several people have mentioned Star Wars in connection to the first line drawing I did a few days ago. My wife and I did recently see The Force Awakens, and I have been a big fan since the original was released when I was a kid. So, maybe there's an unconscious nod to the films.
But beginning a new piece is always filled with such excitement and promise. I can't wait to see where this one goes.