Happy Halloween!

Creativity and Parkinson's

The relationship between creativity and Parkinson's disease is a very interesting one. It's a topic that I've heard people discuss, off and on, since my 2009 diagnosis. A recent Israeli study set out to examine this link—theoretical until now—from a clinical standpoint. I invite you to read this fascinating article about the results.

The Parkinson's Disease Foundation has embraced this theory for some time. Every year since 2010, they have produced a wall calendar as "part of PDF's Creativity and Parkinson's Project, an initiative that encourages those living with Parkinson's to explore their creativity and its potentially beneficial effects."

I contribute to the PDF's online gallery, and have been fortunate enough to have been selected to be included in the calendar for the last two years. You can view the gallery, get more information and order a free calendar on their website.

Personally, it's hard to say whether I've become more creative since being diagnosed with PD. As an empty-nester who is no longer part of the working world, I've certainly had more time for my art, and have found it to be very therapeutic. For the past 6 years, just my left side has been affected by PD, but that may be changing. However, I have no plans to abandon my art just because my right hand starts to move a bit unpredictably—who knows, it may add a spontaneous flair to my work!

A pomegranate's progress

I think that perhaps I should have stopped soon after I scanned this one (above), as the final (below) looks a bit overworked to me.

And since I may not get around to drawing a companion cross-section view, I decided to add a shadow this time, and call it a day:

Repeat after me: "Change is good..."

Some of you may have been surprised to visit my blog and land on this page (above) instead. Well, if you're reading this post, you've already figured out that my blog was just a click (or two, if you're on a  mobile device) away.

So, to clarify, www.sarahmelling.com lands you on this new home page, with easy links to drawing galleries, my blog, my Etsy shop, etc.

If you want to skip that step in the future, just bookmark me once you've arrived at this blog at www.sarahmelling.blogspot.com.

I'd love to have your feedback on the new format; comment away!

Multi-tasking: A commute chat sketch

In our golden age of the smartphone, many of us use an otherwise-boring commute for telephone chats with family and friends. The other day, as I chatted with my daughter on her commute, I figured I might as well be multi-tasking on my end as well. It was interesting to draw when my focus was divided; I think it helped to not overthink things. Not a perfect drawing by any means, but I rather like it all the same.