It’s a Binge Fest

I’m disappointed. I should’t be, but I am. I’ve just received information and a sign-up link for Sketchbook Revival 2025. Founder Karend Abend told us it would be different, and it definitely is. Instead of 2 weeks of pre-scheduled presentations, this year’s event is opening up access to every workshop offered during the five years from 2018 through 2022. This means participants will be able to pick and choose from over 130 different sessions using different media and learning from different artists.

Sounds wonderful, right? So why am I not jumping all over this and shouting with delight? Quite simply, binging is not my style. This year’s event will require some decision-making, and when too many choices are offered, my mind just goes into OVERWHELM mode and stops functioning.

One of the things I’ve most enjoyed in previous Sketchbook Revival years was the “thematic” elements. Each year tended to focus on a general concept and every presentation approached it from its own perspective. This “pick-and-choose” presentation style will no doubt be great for most artists. For me, it’s going to present a few challenges. Without some essential structure beneath me, I get lost easily.

I should, however, consider this not as a challenge but as an opportunity. Especially now, as I’m dealing with vision problems, and especially now, as I’m establishing priorities for myself and my art, I should appreciate being able to choose the presentations that will best serve me and my interests.

Again, though, I feel a little disappointment. The ability to choose what we want can be a disadvantage. It’s a bit like choosing one’s diet. If we ate only those things we loved… well, we probably wouldn’t be too healthy.

With art — and specifically with previous years of Sketchbook Revival — I like being introduced to new media, new methods, new forms of art that I would never discover if left to my own. I may not like them — stamping, for instance, was interesting, but definitely not for me. Still, it was good for me to have that exposure, to learn about it, to try it for myself.

To a degree we can still do that. As I browse through all the presentations available, I could choose to explore a few “new to me” sort of projects. But will I? Or will I be content to maybe review a few previous sessions I enjoyed in years past, and to seek out similar ones that will be enjoyable, but which won’t offer any new experiences for me?

Of course, I shouldn’t complain. I shouldn’t even be disappointed. I should be looking forward excitedly to this opportunity to grab a sketchbook — or make one — and enjoy drawing, painting, collaging, and whatever.

I am grateful for this program. The fact that it’s all FREE makes it all the more awesome. So, I’ll get over my disappointment, and probably by the time the event ends I’ll be fully enjoying every moment of every session I watch.

So, if you’re interested in joining in, you can now visit Karen Abend’s website for complete information and a sign-up link.

Additionally, once you’re registered, you’ll receive access to several “Pre-Bingefest” sessions. These include sessions on making a sketchbook and several “Creative Mindset” sessions.

You can also find a suggested materials listing on the “Pre-Bingefest” page. And, as always, artists will be offering a lot of free gifts as part of the event, so visit Karen Abend’s site, register for the event, and let’s get ready to have a lot of fun.