Over the years I’ve presented some art pieces under the title “Random Samplings” —with no context… no explanation… just some Random Strangeness that I’ve hoped would tickle a funny bone, raise and eyebrow, spark a thought… maybe even foster an artistic foray…

Often, I am so engrossed in preparation and laying out an issue (of NSlife) that I forgo my submission (yes, I know… I should prepare it ahead of time… but where’s the fun in that?) …This time I thought I would talk about process and explain some of the “randomness” of the Random Samplings.

Most weekdays I draw for 10 minutes. I just set a timer, put my pen (or pencil, or stylus) to paper (or tablet) —and start to draw. No pre-thought or planning – just GO. It’s an exercise in “stream of consciousness” art making. I never know what I’m going to get. I file the drawings and look through them when I’m in need of inspiration. The “practice” also allows me to explore and practice with a particular medium or tool (currently I’ve been using pen and ink – and honing my skills with dip pens… learning how to be less messy).

As part of my art process, I often employ methods which remove some of the control so that I am “creating by the seat of my pants”. Some examples:

• Using a random generator to provide 5 musical notes which I then use as the basis of a song
• Use a recorder to play recorded phrases backwards and try to work out a phrase that sounds the same backwards and forwards (I call it a palin-poem)
• Drip watery paint onto a canvas (or other suitable substrate), work into this and try to “find” images
• Painting on a mirror to make a “mask” which I then “wear” to take a selfie

He ended suddenly… and randomly…