Drawing Challenge #1

The prompt was simple: draw on an object. Illustrate impermanence.

I hoped to make this project more interactive and the opportunity nearly presented itself. A group of friends planned to come over to the house; we would all finally be reunited after missing each other in semesters abroad and internships drawing us apart in the summer months.

Time with friends is impermanent and the moments appreciated.

As we're apt to do, my housemate and I planned desserts and drinks for the night. I took this opportunity to involve my friends in the project and pay them tribute in the process.

The idea was this: draw in chocolate ganache on a sheet of blondies the outlines of the nations or states that have claimed my friends' time and affection. This could be a semester abroad experience, an internship location, or a dream travel destination.

Represented, we had: Israel, Turkey, Alabama, France (2), Spain, Hungary, England, and Italy. Our Armenian friend was included in the empty blondie space next to his girlfriend's Spain, since he doesn't like chocolate... Friendly personal jabs acceptable.

Finished!

The interactive part. When everyone had arrived, the friends gathered 'round and were instructed to find their piece and carve it out. To illustrate impermanence, they played their part and consumed the cookie. Deliciously straightforward.

Art is impermanent. It consists of process and product. The process is action and acts are temporary. The consumption of the product (if there is one) is also an action, and a fleeting one. But the impressions it has on emotions last. I wanted the drawing to be quickly demolished but the feeling of recognition to persist in these friends. This undergirding thought process directed the project, but it wasn't necessary to communicate. Light-heartedness gets the point across just as succinctly.

Bon Appétit!

The End.