Capturing Memories, Recording Emotions

 In the post "What's Sketchpacking? Why do it?", I shared that "Your sketch is more than a visual record. As you sketch, you are recording your emotions and impressions.This helps create stronger impressions and memories when you go back and flip through your sketchbook in future than if you just shot a photograph and tucked your camera away". Today I came across a news article on one lady's sketches that showed exactly that.

Thirty-eight year-old mother of 3, Angie Stevens, has been drawing her children for over 2 years. In the article titled Gladly drawn boy: From tantrums to dentist trips, Mother captures 2-year-old son's life by drawing a picture of him EVERY DAY, she shares her thoughts:

"The 38-year-old spends between around 20 minutes each evening sketching a new picture of her three children to document their day, then posts them on her blog, 'Doodlemum.'......

'It is a lovely record for the children to look back on and far better than photos as the pictures capture my emotions too,' said Angie, who lives with husband Myles, 40, in Swansea, Wales......

'I try to keep the picture quite simple and if it needs lots of words to explain it I feel I’ve failed,' she said.

Since starting the blog in 2010 Angie has documented everything from breast feeding, potty training and weaning to beach trips, blustery walks and bullying and now has a huge following from all over the world.

She has captured all of Gruff’s first’s such as learning to brush his teeth, having his hair cut and taking a bath.

Angie has also drawn moments many parents would rather forget, including tantrums, fighting, being ill and sitting on the naughty step.

Other pictures show fun family memories such as camping, dressing up and making pizza or typical toddler activities including eating cat food and licking the windows......

'They are all accurate doodles of the children and even Gruff recognises himself now,' she said.

'It’s fun to look back at the older sketches and have a giggle over them. They bring back a lot of memories and emotions as well.

'When you look at them you remember the little moments you have forgotten about in a way which is much stronger than photos.

'I have very few records of my mum and myself as a child so I really wanted to do this for my children.

'They will have a record of all these moments and exactly what I was thinking and feeling.'"

Sketching is a great way to record not only what we see, but also what we feel.

Check out the article! Lots of lovely sketches!