Bedside notebook with jotted dream fragments, 2007, page size 5 x 3″
Dreams have been a key component of my journals since the 1980s. These strange narratives fascinate me as I often see my psychological temperature imaged in their symbols. I’ve found ways to cultivate dreams; as I go to sleep I repeat to myself “I am going to remember my dreams.” A notebook beside my bed (above) can hold scribbled fragments when I wake in the night. It’s a bit like fishing. Sometimes the fish come. Other times no. When I wake in the morning I look to see if I can make out my notes. A few words can sometimes bring back a flood of memories and I transfer whatever I remember immediately to my sketchbook/journal to avoid forgetting. Although my books overflow with dreams I’m convinced what I collect is only an iceberg’s tip.
