For the majority of my career, titling my drawings was the part of my job I looked forward to the most. While I draw amidst a constant cacophony of TV, radio, podcasts, and music, titling my pieces is a tranquil exercise. In contrast to the frenetic pace and energy that pervades my studio, I approach the task of writing my titles with a deliberate, unhurried focus and I do so in complete silence.
I would often take the time to do this because in the early days of my career, things were happening at such a pace that I knew I would most likely never see the piece again because my drawings were often sold before I ever made them. Back then, I had a long waiting list of eager collectors ready to snap up any new work my gallerists could make available - sometimes even before I could set it aside for an upcoming exhibition. It was a wild, distant past that’s hard to imagine now. I’m not telling this story to brag, but rather to express a sense of disbelief that it ever happened. That, and as a slight longing for even a fraction of that level of security and success.
Although it feels as embarrassing as suddenly posting a topless photo of myself online, in this post I’ve chosen to show you unedited rough drafts of the titles before they become the final versions. Often, there are pages of clunky descriptions that either state the obvious visual elements (e.g. “dead tree with 3 dead deer and 1 dead man”) or vaguely reference the mood. As you see, many terrible ideas precede the final selection. Even when I nail the title on the first try, I still write and rewrite just to ensure it’s the one.
I say all that, but now that I’ve taken a few days to compose this post, take the accompanying photographs, and carefully consider the matter, I’ve made a grim discovery: Maybe it’s just this week’s mood, but I’m fairly certain I now hate most of my drawing’s titles! But what can I do about that now? Like all the other mistakes of the past, absolutely nothing.
Back then, keeping a piece “Untitled” was never an option for me. As a younger, much more extreme person/artist, I used to rail against people who didn’t title their work. Any time I’d see a wall label with “Untitled”, I was appalled. It seemed like a missed opportunity. But now, I’m (happily) too old and tired to care what anyone else does or doesn’t do with their life, or their titles. In fact, I’m so exhausted that I might never again title another piece simply because it’s one less thing to do. And we all need one less thing to do.
The last thing I’ll say on the matter is that the word “titles” looks an awful lot like the word “titties” and I’ve been pretty concerned about that while writing this post. Can you imagine if I’d sent you an entire post on that subject instead of the topic of my titles? You never know with me….
Sending love and great titles,
Robyn
p.s. I’m having so much fun that I’ve extended the offer of making a postcard drawing to all paid members! Upgrade if you’d like one, and tell your friends!
And to anyone who’s already on the paid subscription plan, make sure you didn’t forget to send me your mailing address:
Now whenever anyone uses “titles” with you in a sentence you might have to think twice. I’m certainly grateful now for this association. Like playing the penis game in highschool, or … adulthood. (This is a silly game involving saying trying to say penis without any adults noticing in case this was only played in Kentucky)
Your drawings and process are so lovely. Do you have some for sale somewhere?