Learning a new language

For a long time now, I’ve thought of myself as a words guy. I’ve written lyrics, blog posts, and poems, and worked as a writer and editor.

But over the last year or two, I’ve been increasingly drawn to paintings. And now I want to pick up a brush.

This is surprising to me, because I’ve never really felt the inclination to create visual art—possibly because I assumed I’d suck at it. But the more I think about it, the more it makes sense:

• I love colour.
• I love the expressiveness of painting and the sheer variety of styles.
• In an age where “making” increasingly refers to something digital, I have a strong desire to make something physical.
• It’s not words! (I work with them all day long, and they often make my head hurt.)
• It possibly accesses a deeper part of me.

Given I haven’t seriously tried to paint anything since third-form art (more than thirty years ago), I’ve got a lot of learning to do. But I don’t mind. If it’s going to be a worthwhile path, I’m willing to put in the work.

I’m just excited to be learning a new creative language. And I’m excited to see how it adds richness to my relationship with God too.

Welcome to my new blog.