For a lot of us, drawing does not come naturally and the words “I can’t draw” topple out of our mouths.
The moment that stings
I’m sure I’m not the only one who can remember the first time someone criticised or said something unkind about a drawing they saw. That moment stings. It burrows in quietly and stays there. A whisper.
What I have come to realise is that those comments can say more about the person saying them than about any need for you to take them on board. Our challenge is to learn how to teach our children to deflect those kinds of comments and trust their worth.
When Fear Got in the Way
Before having my children I was afraid to draw. Afraid of the feeling of failure that came with it.
I actively avoided it, despite working in the creative industry.
What changed? Having my children.
Witnessing Something Wonderful
As their curiosity grew and they became more interested in mark making, I witnessed something freeing. Their approach to mark making and art was bold, without hesitation. Especially my eldest, who draws so fluidly and confidently that I was in awe. Sitting in that moment and enjoying their creativity and experimentation was one thing.
But then something magical happened. My son wanted me to draw with him. He wanted me to be creative with him. It became our way of connecting when other methods of communication failed.
It wasn’t about perfection, it was about connection and grounding ourselves. So I drew more and more and more, and the more I drew the easier it became.
Little Quiet Victories
Now, years on, hours and hours of drawing and practice have led me to create what you see here on this grid and also online. I have “wow, I did that” moments and “I can do that now, yay” revelations. Little quiet victories that no one else might notice but means the world to me.
In my childhood dreams I wanted to be an illustrator but never thought that I could get there. Little did I know then!
Creating Space to Connect
That need for connection, and for creating opportunities to connect, is an enormous part of why I built Curious Kin. I wanted to help you find a way to connect with others through their special interests, when the usual methods of communication fail for one reason or another.
I have lived that experience on both sides. I have been the misunderstood, seeking understanding and connection. I have also been the one not understanding but wanting to. The gap between you and someone you love is familiar to me, and I have come to find that creativity and curiosity can become the bridge.
Today I Felt Disconnected
Today I really felt disconnected from you, so I decided to ground myself through the play of drawing, in the sound bath of British birdsong and chatter. Not to be precise, or for product, but to remind myself that I’m not doing this for offers or sales.
I’m doing this for something very precious.
Human connection.
This Is For You
If you have ever said “I can’t draw”, I want to encourage you to try again and know that this is not about perfection. It never was. It’s about releasing something in yourself. To think and move unbound by rules and truths we have told ourselves we must follow. Rules that, perhaps, we don’t need to follow at all.
You don’t have to be good. You just have to begin.
And if you need someone to begin alongside, I’m right here.
Stay Curious x
Min