I used to think people are either imaginative or not, that it is an aspect of one’s personality. A few years ago I doing some research into imagination—what it actually is, why do we have it, and how it works—and I was shocked to discover that imagination is actually a skill.
I was also surprised to learn that, as adults, we have a huge advantage over children when it comes to imagination. Imagination requires a base of known information for it to really work well. It uses knowledge of the world around us, our life experiences and exposure to different situations/objects/creatures/etc. to then build on, expand from and combine in creative ways. Imagination needs a starting place.
Maybe you don’t consider yourself an imaginative person. Possibly even the world ‘imagination’ even comes with some baggage. We may even think it is silly or childish because it is not a skill that society encourages us to strengthen. If this is the case, you aren’t alone.
What if I told you that imagination is one of the most beneficial skills you can work on? What I discovered when I was looking into this topic was that people with a developed imagination tend to be more positive in their thinking patterns, become better at problem solving, actually works out our brain cells and helps fight dementia. Oh yes, and it will also help you live longer. There are huge rewards to building a healthy imagination. But don’t just take my word for it, please look into this as well. There are lots of resources. Here is one article to get you started.
Needless to say, I think imagination is pretty great. Which is why it was the theme of my most recent workshop at the Metchosin International Summer School of the Arts (MISSA) at Pearson Collage a couple weekends ago. After all, I think I have said enough about imagination…. maybe you would like to see the incredible work that came out of this workshop, which I fondly call Imaginative Nature Drawing.
Our first drawing project involved creating a “branch” that had a variety of species growing from it.
Our next project was an ink drawing project that was inspired by scientific illustrations and layout. We used a single colour of ink and explored using natural tools to make drawing marks.
The following day we focused on a more wholistic approach to nature. Rather than isolating elements, we draw environments and ecosystems.
Finally, we wrapped up the workshop with mini-dioramas inspired by mystery word prompts!
What’s Coming Up?
My Last Summer Market I am joining the first ever Market on the Green event which is taking place on the Craigdarroch Castle grounds! There are lots of activities & entertainment planned (including highland dancers and face painting). Here is a link with more info.
Fall Workshop in Victoria I am excited to be bringing back one of my workshop favourites… Reinventing Birds! In this afternoon workshop, we will begin by creating playful collages inspired by Audubon’s birds and then will move into creating watercolour paintings influenced by these collages. Click here for more information and to register.
2027 Postcard Calendar I am starting to work on next years’ postcard calendar! I am super excited about the theme and am practically bursting with energy to turn my idea sketches into watercolours for the images 🙂 I will have a pre-sale in September. If you would like me to let you know when the sale is live, please send me a message and I’ll make sure you are in the know!
Upcoming Exhibition I am excited to share that this fall I will be part of an exhibition at arc.hive artist run centre. I don’t want to say too much right now, but my new work for this show is going to be inspired by diatoms and women in science. Stay tuned for more info!
Natasha van Netten 