My good friend gave me a book recently that explains how to set up a creative project and make/draw/paint/sew/sculpt something every day for one year. I have decided to embark on this journey as a way of develping discipline in my art practise and also to create a focus for my life outside of full time work (other than uni, my health journal, learning how to play the ukulele etc etc etc).

My sister suggested I use the self portrait as my theme, this means I can take it wherever I am (as I move around quite a bit) and I can always draw from memory if I can’t find a mirror or reflective surface.

My original plan was to follow the ideas set down in the book (you are given an idea every day) but I think I will combine elements from the book and some of my own ideas:

• draw/paint in the style of my favourite artists, living and dead
• photograph/sketch reflections of self on various objects: stainless steel kettle, metal spoons, windows etc
• draw/photograph reflections in different shaped mirrors: rear vision mirror, side mirror in car, small compact mirror etc
• make/sculpt/bake using food or natural materials

Part of this task will be documenting using photographs of each days outcome and a short reflection on how I feel about it and the project thus far.

Many creative people around the world have joined this movement of mindfulness in order to stimulate their creativity, I am excited but nervous. I guess I am doubting whether or not I can stick to it! Here goes!