23
Drawing as
Pattern
I LOVE pattern and find it deeply inspiring. I add it
to all my drawings, even inventing it where it fails
to exist. I find constructing areas of pattern in my
drawings deeply meditative; it is a relaxing, repetitive,
simple task that allows me to become completely
absorbed in my drawing (and completely unaware
of the time!). For me, pattern is play. It is the closest
thing to doodling I have found, and it allows me to
take an imaginative, creative, and deeply personal
approach to my work.
We are surrounded by a vast number of inspiring
patterns every day; think of a brick wall, braided
hair, parquet flooring, and all the wonderful
patterned textiles in your home and wardrobe. Have
a look around the space you are in now—there
will be a dazzling array of patterns if you look for
them. Because I draw every day, this has had an
enormous effect on the way I see. I really look at my
surroundings; I’m drawn to pattern so I notice the tiles
on a roof, leaves on a fern, or stripes on a shirt. When
you begin to draw regularly you will become aware
of a shift in how you look at things. Perhaps you’ll feel
drawn to observing texture or light and shade, but
you will certainly change the way you see your world.
This chapter is completely about play. I’ll give you a
few ideas to copy and get started with, but fill these
pages with many more of your own ideas. Use this
book as a safe private place to document all your
experiments, which you can refer to as your journey
continues. Just get started and doodle!