London is a forest

In my first month of living in London in 2022, someone told me that according the the UN definition, London is a forest. It took me by surprise and I think it's a funny fact. Of course it depends on location, as many areas of London that are neglected do not necessarily have the luxury to wide open green spaces.

London's parks are one of the places I spend a lot of time in. Especially as spring inches closer. It is a great place to study, observe, hang out, walk...

There are periods of time where my sketchbooking becomes very green and simply by surrounding myself by the nature I feel better or inspired. Check google for some studies on this. For one of my essays for my MSc, I am looking at the neurological, mental, emotional, and physiological benefits of engaging with and making art. It is really interesting, and I hope to build a strong argument why we should engage more with it than we do as a public. It is a matter of accessibility and belief in the matter. These conversations are important to have, but it is more impactful to see and experience it in action. Don't believe me? Try it out for yourself. Grab any tool to make marks with - pen, pencils, highlighter, paint... - and a paper. Start by observing something or someone, and follow the lines with your eyes, replicate this on your paper. Do this over and over again, and soon you will be actively engaging with your own artistic practice.

A sense of freedom comes from creative expression. I feel so much better making something. And my sketchbook, becomes an album of memories, emotions, and processes that are unigue to every page, every new book.

Make yours too.