loose hands

The idea of doodling in a sketchbook (or in my case, on my ipad) and playing a round of golf may seem worlds apart. Seems like one is usually done in a quiet room with a pencil and paper, while the other is an active, often social, outdoor sport. But when you really think about it, both are rooted in repetition, patience, and discovery. (I think I could do a whole post just on the “patience” aspect. I probably will). 

Both sketching and golf require a balance between awareness and muscle memory. A quick, rough sketch helps an artist warm-up and loosen the hand (and brain), just like a few practice swings help a golfer feel a certain rhythm. In both cases, movement becomes a way to quiet the overthinking, and let instinct take over. And with enough practice you become aware of how and when to make adjustments.

As an artist when I’m sketching, I’m really just experimenting with shapes, forms, and ideas, without worrying about perfection. It’s really just about showing up and doing. For example, there are certain elements that I always struggle with drawing correctly. Hands… hands are impossible for me to draw. I usually have to look at tons of references and draw so many messy, ugly versions before I can get it right. But I learn something from each attempt, and it eventually turns into a recognizable form—kinda sounds like golf.

Progress is shaped by the attempts, and embracing repetition and imperfection. A sketch doesn’t have to be “good” to lead to a great idea, and a bad swing is just part of the game. In both, it’s about the showing up, and learning from doing.