Moira Kirkwood has asked Jennifer Jackson to reflect on a challenge that she set herself a couple of years ago.
What prompted this project in the first place?
A couple of years ago, for Christmas, I gave my husband an A6 size book, blank, with the title A Sentence a Day for Christmas. Well he wrote for 2 days!
What a waste. The book had 365 pages with lines on the page and a suggestion for the sentence. I decided to ignore the lines and start drawing. I occasionally responded to the prompt but more frequently I sketched about the day or my life and family. The images are really little scratchings and were never meant to be shared. I used black pen as I always had one on hand. I did become particularly keen on some pens and their marks. Also, what you drew stayed on the page, you couldn't erase so you dealt with whatever marks you put down.
How did you feel about the project while you were doing it? Did you love it, or hate it, or perhaps both?
The project had differing levels of enjoyment. Some days you could draw forever other days it became tedious and some days there just wasn't time and you would have to catch up the next day. The further I got through the year however the more committed I became. There was a rush to the end and on reflection I fell that the drawings had improved. It Is a diary of thoughts, places, people and memories. I am enjoying reliving the year.
What part does drawing play in your ongoing art practice?
Drawing is a way of thinking for me. The marks emerge on the paper and then, at times, transform into other states. I always loved the Dobell prize for drawing, a pity that it doesn't really exist anymore. Drawing is an essential practice for me and a means of seeing how my ideas have developed.
Do you have any particular favourite artists that you look to for inspiration? What is it about them that you like?
I would have to say Brett Whitely and his ease of mark making, use of space and responses to the land. Equally Lloyd Rees amazes me with his observation and capture of depth in many ways. Rees also has remarkable mark making skills some very tight and realistic, others much looser and gestural. Margaret Woodward also creates drawings full of energy and expression. I think that I am drawn to artists with passion and a skill for using line.
Any current goals that you're working towards?
Currently and for a time now, I have been looking at the themes of history and time passing, linked to the land. I am trying to depict the landscape and the layers entwined within it. History, archaeology and relics of human existence are featuring in my search.
