Thursday, January 24, 2008

Microcosm

Like a rain forest that is comprised of multiple vegetative layers, each comprising its own microcosm, so does my purse. (And yes, I'm a biologist so bear with me :) ). I've removed the "canopy layer" of papers and wallet to reveal my "subcanopy" of a mix of half-used gift cards, prescriptions, keys, cell phone, nail file, and compact. Oh, in case you're wondering, the groundcover ... the stuff at the very bottom that never sees the light of day ... is comprised of loose coins, a couple paperclips, and bits of paper. Fortunately, nothing too exciting. A woman's purse is very revealing, don't you think?

13 comments:

Elizabeth Perry said...

Ah... so a new handbag fills up by a process of primary succession?

I love the idea!

(And now I'll need to draw my new bag soon.)

Joan Y said...

Hey Liz! LOL Yes, primary succession! And being a dynamic community, it changes everyday!

Kathleen Rietz said...

Funny, I was just thinking yesterday about the story the contents of my handbag could tell! Time to clean out, don't you think?

Serena Lewis said...

Your bag reminds me of my own. I HAVE to have each and every item in it, just in case I need them, ya know what I'm talking about? lol I can't understand how my daughter manages to have the tiniest of bags for her daily use.

Of course, the down-side of having everything but the kitchen sink in my bag is the weight factor. Do you find that too?

andrea joseph's sketchblog said...

Cool as ....

Unknown said...

I'm not sure which I like better: the drawing or your description!

Anonymous said...

Another great drawing and yes, a purse can be revealing. I'm trying to figure out what a wallet, checkbook, lip balm, phone and pack of wipes says about me. Hmmm. Not much.

Susan's Scribbles said...

Joan you're so brave. There is no way I am showing off my messy purse until I get time to clean it out. Being a mom I am always being asked to hold things by kids or dad. . . and you never know what you might find on any layer!

JC said...

Such wonderful detail on your purse sketches! Wow! Love the way you've described this, too. My keys and cell phone seem to make it down to the "groundcover" of my purse often -- I can never find them! =)

Tracy said...

another lovely one. this one has such a different feel - very soft. and i still would have to clean my purse up to even attempt a drawing lol.. but you're encouraging me !

wagonized said...

Brilliant! I am only discovering this today -- where was i?? I laughed when i read what Erik Berndt wrote on Flickr following your caption!
I love the use of pencil on Moleskine -- you did such a fine job with your strokes.
And how do paper clips ever end up at the bottom of our purses?

Anita Davies said...

LOL...I am loving your handbag sketches. I did one of mine too recently and now realise why my shoulders are killing me all the time!

MD said...

yes.... a woman's handbag/purse is definitely revealing.... and mine makes me cringe with embarrassment!!! Yours is beautifully drawn.
MD