One day not too long ago I decided I really wanted to invite narrative and story into my art; something I had not been able to do since I was very young when my goal was to be the youngest published author/illustrator ever. Once I decided this I sat down to write something and an entire sci-fi story just poured out. Since then I've been painting one illustration a day to try and flesh out the characters and to see where they take me. I started out painting children, but then realized that I rarely ever paint children! I also wanted this story to be for adults and children so was happy to switch over to painting adults, or maybe they're teens?
As I write the headline for this article I realize that I haven't yet analyzed why adding story to my life is helpful. Well, for one it's therapeutic to paint daily and to make those paintings part of a narrative and then to tie that narrative into my own life. It helps me deal with difficult emotions and it gives me subject matter which adds meaning and depth to the piece. I hope that all of that makes it interesting and entertaining not only for me, but for you as well.
I also found it interesting that when I mentioned my storytelling to my buddy in New Brunswick, he suggested I also try seeing if I could turn my life into a story because it was fun. I like that idea and am trying it out. What about you? Do you see your own life as a story?
A Few Developmental Sketches from my Brand New Sci-Fi Story
Lost by Kathy Crabbe. Gouache on paper, 2016.
My Star (Space Twins) by Kathy Crabbe. Gouache on paper, 2016.
About Kathy Crabbe
Kathy is an artist, writer and soul reader. She has kept a diary and a dream journal since she was a very young girl. At age 8 her goal was to be the youngest published author/illustrator ever. Kathy graduated with a degree in Art History from Queen's University in Kingston, Canada and a diploma in Graphic Design & Illustration in 1992. After graduation she moved to Southern California where she became a full time artist and soul reader. Her work has appeared in We’Moon Datebook, Sage Woman Magazine, Art for the Soul and San Diego Women’s History Museum. She has taught and mentored at Wise Woman University, Mt. San Jacinto College and HGTV along with starting a writer’s group and artist’s circle in Temecula, California.
