Art
Learn about Japanese woodblocks
If, like me, you are passionate about Japan’s rich cultural heritage, I’m sure you will enjoy this website. This page honors Japanese printmaking by celebrating its artistry and historical significance, recognizing that every element within this craft – from the meticulous carving techniques to the captivating stories encompassing each artist and style – unveils the uniqueness of Japan’s culture and artistic legacy.
Delve into this extensive collection of information and explore the intricate materials, techniques, nerdy details and background stories that define the tradition of this highly specialized printing process. For tattooers especially it’s a wonderful resource to deepen the knowledge about the subjects and themes that inspire the Japanese tattooing style.
The plus?
The links to extra pages to get into the research rabbit hole.
Mindset
Imposter syndrome
Do you ever find yourself overly fixated on minor errors or imperfections in your work?
Do you often attribute your successes to external factors such as luck, rather than your own abilities and hard work?
Are you perhaps overly sensitive to criticism, even when it is intended to be helpful and constructive?
If so, you might be experiencing imposter syndrome.
This phenomenon can make you feel like a fraud in your own field, and cause you to downplay your own expertise even in areas where you are genuinely skilled. Self-doubt and negative self-talk can be very debilitating. That whisper: “You’re not good enough”.
Can we improve this feeling? Definitely. In this article Dr. Ellen Hendricksen and Dr. Jade Wu give us a few tips.
First of all let’s remember that everyone has their struggles and insecurities. The kid flaunting their top grades or the Instagram influencer with the perfect posts may be seeking affirmation themselves. Insecurity is a natural part of being human, and it serves a purpose. It helps us reflect on our actions, fosters personal growth, and promotes better relationships with others. Embracing self-doubt allows us to continuously improve and adapt. In fact, a total lack of insecurity can be a sign of imbalance.
To shift your mindset, consider adopting a growth-oriented perspective. Replace “failure” with “not yet” when facing challenges, acknowledging that success is a journey. Similarly, swap the word “but” with “and” to embrace a more balanced view of yourself, acknowledging both progress and areas for improvement.
Avoid falling into the trap of measuring adequacy based on narrow societal standards such as wealth, fame, IG likes or appearance. Instead, recognize that a fulfilling life encompasses integrity, curiosity, inspiration, and meaningful relationships. Popular culture and internet trends may offer value, but don’t let them define your worth.
Be cautious of contingent self-esteem, where your evaluation of yourself is based on others’ opinions. This fragile form of self-esteem can lead to physical and mental health issues. Prioritize authentic self-acceptance and avoid seeking external validation for your self-worth.
Remember, you don’t have to be your best self all the time. Embrace the imperfections and allow yourself to be genuine. It’s okay to have bad days, make mistakes, or stumble in relationships. Embrace your journey as a work in progress, and don’t let the pursuit of perfection stifle your growth.
Ultimately, adequacy is not about reaching a static state of perfection; it’s about embracing continuous growth, celebrating achievements, and fueling your dreams. Keep weaving your story and add “yet” to unfinished goals, knowing that your potential for growth and progress is limitless.
Drawing
DRAWING ANATOMY
Drawing organic figures can prove challenging, as a good understanding of structure and gesture is required, beyond the complex arrangement of muscles and bones. A marvelous book on the subject can help us make sense of our practice.
For over four decades, Bridgman devoted himself to teaching drawing at the prestigious Art Students League in New York. With his extensive knowledge of anatomy, he approached his teaching systematically. Using his unique formulas, he skillfully simplified the complexities of the human body into geometric shapes. He consistently stressed the importance of mastering drawing skills before delving into other realms (such as color), poignantly defining it as “you can’t paint a house until it’s built.”
Below you can find the link to a public domain archive, where you can read and even download for free his book on anatomy (just check the bottom right of the archive’s page for downloads).