What I Think About Pencils…

I remember growing up and having various passions. I loved to wake up on a Saturday morning and sit in the back seat while my parents drove me to a sporting event. Sports took up a majority of my time when I was not in school. I can remember the things that I loved as a child; but one thing that I have no recollection of is pencils. Pencils were accessible to anyone that needed to write something down. I can’t remember a time when I said to myself, “Man, I really wish I had a pencil.”

Growing up in sunny San Diego, I had plenty of things to do outdoors. Staying inside and drawing never really interested me. Now, as I grow older, I am beginning to realize how important pencils can be to certain people. I understand that as I continue getting older, I may find something new that sparks an interest. Sitting down and watching television for 10 hours a day might not satisfy my daily urges. Having something that I can create with may be extremely important to me…something that I can grow to love.

Over the past several months, I have grown a strong bond with pencils. I realize how ridiculous this may sound, but I never realized how many cool pencils are out there. If I want to buy some sports pencils for friends, or pencils that change colors due to the heat, I can do that! I have also found that the lead in pencils is so different. I thought it was strange that artists would talk about a 2B as opposed to a 4B; I thought to myself, “Who cares?” After writing and drawing with our Palominos and Palomino Blackwings, I now know that I am not going to be able to draw with a regular old 2 cent pencil. I am going to need something that glides across the paper without a hint of scratchyness. The amount of time that I have spent with pencils has helped me realize that they are a vital instrument. They will never become obsolete because as long as the Earth exists, millions of people will love art.

Pencils, although they are an everyday item that people oftentimes take advantage of, will always occupy a small place in my heart. Just as people are passionate about cars or shoes, great things have been done with pencils. One year ago if you had asked me what I thought about pencils, I would have responded with, “I have nothing to say about pencils.”