Inktober 52 had a prompt no. 26, called ‘Cuddle’ and I immediately saw a picture of my two cats, cuddling each other. They are sisters that groom each other, sleep together, play together and even give each other space to finish their food. I had so many lovely pictures of these two cuties:
I took up the challenge although I knew that this inking process will take a lot of time and ink to complete. For years I struggled to make peace with the fact that I get caught up in detail. I have tried many courses to loosen up my style, but with no success. My children (teenagers) call my art style ‘no-life’ art, because of the hours that go into it due to the detail or shading. But lately, I have decided that by embracing it and not working against it, my art is better than before and the method of repetition of the detail is extremely relaxing. The art making process becomes a meditation process. By working against my natural tendency towards detail and realism, art creates stress and deprives me of the joy it should give in the first place.
I usually work with A4 200 gsm Fabriano paper and a 0.03 Unipin Fineliner. I have a series of Unipins with worn tips at different degrees. The worn tips give me more options to work towards lighter shading without harsh marks.
This challenge was a first in a long time where I focused on detail like the fur of the cats and the patterns. I loved the process and I think the love for my two cats showed in the final artwork. Inktober also listed it as their favorite on Instagram.
ahankidoriday.com 