It was a flute, oboe, bassoon trio. Except for the flute, I don't think I've heard oboe and bassoon played so close to me. The music was beautiful, even though Karen, my neighbour, said they are just amateur musician.
I started with my Kuretake brush pen (with water-soluble ink) to warm up. That helped me get familiar with the gestures. Then another sketch was done with ink and watercolour.
After I came home, I realised that urban sketching has changed me in some way. I have always been a shy person ever since I was a child. I remember as a child I could not answer questions from the owner of an eatery where I was buying dinner. I ended up taking something I didn't order home that evening. My sister always roamed around the street on her bike with the neighbours' children. I, on the other hand, would be watching them. Partly because I preferred to read, but also because I didn't know how to connect with strangers.
After moving to Seattle, I joined the USK Seattle. The first outing was great and so were all the following outings. The network helped me connect with the people and city. It helped me settle and enjoy my life in Seattle. I guess I also learnt how to connect with strangers through sketching from there. When I go to a social event, and I don't feel comfortable making small talks with strangers, I sketch. Then I talk with strangers about my sketch, about the reason I sketch, about how I found Urban Sketchers and about USK Seattle. Like today. The childhood me would never believe that I talked with a not-so-familiar neighbour and two total strangers.
I, too, felt really bummed when I heard you weren't coming after all! But this is such an interesting story about how you've changed through sketching. I have to say that I've experienced the same thing. I've always been a big introvert (I guess that's a version of shyness), and I think going to Urban Sketchers for the first time 6 years ago may have been the first time I voluntarily joined a group where I didn't know a single soul. I was so motivated to sketch that I got over my introversion. And I think it's kind of an ideal hobby for introverts because you only have to socialize for a little while -- and then everyone scatters to sketch! ;-) Anyway, glad you got past your shyness and joined us. I've met so many fun and interesting people since I started sketching.
ReplyDelete- Tina
Thanks for sharing your story, Tina. Yes, you are right. The USK outings are ideal for introverts who just want to socialize a little but still connect with people :)
DeleteI still want to sketch with you and fellow USK Seattle sketchers though. Will try to make it happen!