Art, Jazz and Introversion

 

1/29/25 Aljoya Thornton Place art gala

If you don’t know me personally and saw only my posts about outings with Urban Sketchers, drink & draws, and other sketch gatherings with friends, you might have the impression that I’m a gregarious extrovert. You’d be dead wrong. I’m actually one of the strongest introverts I know. I suppose I would label myself a “social introvert” (as categorized by people who like to categorize people): I prefer spending time alone or in smaller social settings. I generally avoid large gatherings, but if I’m in the right mood, I’m open to them. (But like all types of introverts, I need a long period of time alone after any socializing to recharge.)

Attending art exhibit receptions at Aljoya Thornton Place retirement community is a bit of a stretch for my introverted self, but the last time I attended, I had a good time. And just like my daily fitness walk is motivated by the potential for a sketch, so is pushing myself out the door for an event like this. (Bonus: The weather was beautiful that afternoon, so I even walked to the event at Northgate – win/win/win!)

After enjoying the art, I followed the jazz music into the library to finish my bubbly and excellent snacks. Walking into a room where everyone else is already engaged in conversation can be awkward, but that’s where my sketchbook is such a great companion. I found a seat where I could see the jazz trio performing and pulled out my sketchbook. Eventually another woman attending alone sat down nearby, commented on my sketch, and we started chatting.

I’ve heard many beginning (and not-so-beginning) sketchers lament about their fear of sketching in public – the fear of attracting attention, of having to reveal their work, or even of being criticized. I have the opposite view: In a potentially awkward or uncomfortable social setting, sketching puts me at ease. It also seems to give other people an easy way to approach me, so I don’t have to do that work. Some might call my sketchbook a security blanket, but it also serves as an icebreaker.

Best of all, I go home with a sketch.

Technical note: This is one of my favorite kinds of sketch journal pages: Some on-location sketches that show what I did, some space for writing, and a bonus bit of collage! (In case it's difficult to read my fortune, it says: "Good ideas will spring forth naturally from your mind in the coming week." I like that!)