Putting Pen To Paper with Bobby Clark

Our Putting Pen To Paper series, features different individuals & showcases what they use their favourite notebook for. It could be for to-do lists, sketching, song writing, illustrations, notes, daily gratitudes & everything in between.
Name
Occupation
I am an artist and photographer. I also am a Free-lance Creative Director, brand advisor and was teaching Creative Direction and Photography at Whitehouse Institute of Design before I had my baby.
Plain or Lined paper?
Ooooooo. I used to be all about the lined. I love the structure of writing on lined paper, it reminds me of school, but I have recently switched to plain. There’s nothing better than a fresh page in a note book.
When do you put pen to paper?
Constantly. I NEVER take notes or doodle on a computer. Every morning when I arrive at the studio I start with writing my daily to do list. I always scribble notes during a meeting and keep a notebook beside my bed for the just-before-sleep ideas. If I don’t write on paper it doesn’t stay in my head. Even if I do notes on a computer if I have forgot my notebook – I always re-write them. It’s like the physicality of writing etches it in my brain.
What inspired the Pen to Paper in your images?
I photographed my morning studio routine. I sit at this table with a cup of tea or coffee every morning and do the same thing. I had been putting off photographing this series as I’ve not been feeling too hot, a mix of ISO and too many pastries. I usually try make an effort when I’m shooting. Do my make-up, choose an outfit but I just decided to photograph the Pen to Paper images on a shit day. Unwashed hair, my comfy studio jumper that’s cover in stains, because that’s real life.
What does journaling look like to you/how do you journal?
Journaling for me has always been routine. A part of daily life. I love to write. My favourite subjects and the only ones I was any good at were, Art and English. I always kept a diary as a little girl. They are hilarious to read back on. I have a terrible memory and dementia runs in my family so it’s very important for me to leave behind my stories, especially now that I can pass them on to my son Jimmy one day. I bought a beautiful leather journal for my mum for her 50th for her to write about her life for us to read one day, but it’s been 11 years and it still sits unopened gathering dust. I hope one day she will feel inspired to use it.
Feeling creative & want to put pen to paper yourself? Start here with this favourite notebook of Bobby's.
Follow Bobby on Instagram HERE & Shop her beautiful work HERE
Imagery by Bobby Clark