Into the Sun: Chapter 7: On and on the camel and rider rode, through intense heat and night chill, through sand-filled winds that bit the skin. Mile after mile without a trace of man or beast, nor heavenly delights; their sensibilities crushed, they drove onward into the sun. Blinding visibility had skewed their path. Days would pass until, finally, the maddening conditions relented and the cruel dust storms blew their last breath. Into sight, not too far off, a haze of movement indicated that the loyal couple would soon stumble across companionship once more. Surely this heralds a new dawn…
Drawing: The story or source of the art is figurative and abstract; multidimensional to fit the vision. It’s life in the flesh, warts and all. It is an otherworldly creation inspiring in-depth exploration.
The process of creating the drawings adds another layer to the story, as the images themselves evolve. A liquid fixative is added to the water. I rely solely on pen ink and my fingers to draw, carefully exploring the variety of marks and washes achievable on the paper’s surface. Somehow, the sensation of being in touch with the materials makes drawing feel authentic. The paper is 300 gsm inkjet paper, which accelerates drying without compromising mark precision. However, spilling water or immersing the drawings is not advisable, as the washes will run and vanish, leaving little trace.
Perhaps this is a reflection on how the fragile and ethereal aspects of the human spirit can be commodified. Drawings can range from precious to crude scribbles and may be irreverent or worth very little. Yet they convey a message of hope—that each day is a new beginning, offering fresh opportunities and the chance for further adventure at any age. Everything in life has value to someone, but ultimately, the keeper of the drawing decides its worth.
Into the Sun Video Shorts Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQteKPuE8QuMCmTgR5qOZDk42m5HatHcX&si=RieZN4QudUbyuNIm
Derek Hill Video Shorts YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEncWmw9aBoL4KFf-96boeA
Work Archive: https://www.derekhill.co.uk/work/
