Drawing, Water, and Slowness

The work described in this article is part of a current doctoral research project which builds on a framework of slow aesthetics theory, and draws upon theories of atmosphere along with interdisciplinary research from the social sciences on the restorative potency of wild nature. In this article and in the broader project, a practice-based methodology foregrounding repetitive mark-making, embodied gestural drawing, and reflexive practice records temporal, spatial and somaesthetic encounters with wild nature (ocean), and within the drawing process, producing states of slowness that are evidenced in the drawings. These in turn invite close attention in slow viewing encounters. Drawing is thus offered as a mindful, timeful and generative slow practice. This article positions water as a conceptual frame for slowness; the ocean as an affective atmosphere conducive to slow experience; and drawing water as a generative environment for slow art practice. This is explored through analysis of the ideation sites, methods and outcomes of a series of small water drawings made with the digital drawing media of iPad and iPencil. Praxis demonstrates attunement to watery atmospheres in nature as slow aesthetic experiences that propagate creative ideation. The drawing process then manifests, mediates and remakes these experiences, with a sensitivity to conceptual, methodological and material influences. The Water Drawings that emerge are understood both as containers for these experiences and as slow art objects.