SHOW & TELL.

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This is a process & ideas blog from the secret attic headquarters of Meg Hunt, who lives and makes in Portland, Oregon.

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March 4, 2011

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Some random thinking:

I’ve been hearing feedback from fans lately and there’s some overlapping sentiments I really appreciate. Namely the words ‘detail, magic, care, and love’ seem to pop up a lot. I think sometimes when you’re stuck toiling on a big project, it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that we’re so lucky to do what we do. And it’s easy to get hard on myself for feeling like I overwork things, or not moving at superhuman speed. It’s really tough to reconcile all the thoughts in my head with my output (I really need to keep notes so I can refer back in quieter times). But those kind people out there who love my work are right— there is love in every drawing (even just a little) and that’s important too. Sometimes I get kinda down on myself for getting so detailed, especially when the trends seem to dictate pared down aesthetics, boiling down to supposed true essences. I enjoy that work too, of course— but sometimes truth seems to come at the cost of liveliness. And as hokey as it may sound, I like the idea of images telling stories that are almost magical and breathe life into you. I hope it nourishes, because that’s my goal.

I’m working on this book, and it is taking longer than I intended, but I keep reminding myself I’m filling this work with love. Good things take time and hard work. This is my mantra for 2011, and I’m tempted to letter it to hang above my desk.

The more and more I think about it I do suspect I may take a couple of weeks off after this project to change gears a bit. (after a solid month of working ridiculous hours to get this project to bed, I will probably need it!) I’ve been needing an exploratory period to cut my teeth for a while. I need to take some time and work on screenprints, but also to keep changing things up and moving. Reflection, exploration, and evolution— try new things, add to my skillset— if I can keep going and keep you guessing at the same time, I think I’m doing the right thing. Let’s hope!

Notes: