20 Years Ago I Bought a Tank of Gas in Mississippi and Decided to Draw It
6 days ago
- #mindfulness
- #daily drawing
- #artistic practice
- Started drawing credit card statements in 2004 as a form of self-reflection and punishment.
- Transitioned to drawing daily purchases in 2006, beginning with a tank of gas, marking the start of the daily purchase project.
- Rules included using black pen, white paper, no do-overs, and sharing drawings online and in zines.
- Drawings documented life events like marriage, moving, changing jobs, and becoming a parent.
- The project evolved into a practice of noticing and appreciating the context behind purchases rather than the objects themselves.
- Took a break in 2014 but resumed in 2017, missing the ritual and consistency it provided.
- Celebrated 20 years of the project in 2024, appreciating its grounding effect amidst chaos.
- Drawing has become the author's favorite creative activity, emphasizing simplicity and presence.