DON’T LAUGH. Call me eccentric … or even nerdy, but don’t laugh until you’ve fully explored the idea of an art vest. Avid fishermen sport them, photographers love them and my son insisted on one when he’d go on his “
While camping in the winter, I once hiked a trail leading through some primitive campsites. They were entirely abandoned, winter tent camping being for the rare boldness of spirit and hardiness of body that most can’t summon—including my(aging)self. The sites overlooked a scenic salt marsh warmed golden by the morning sun and I vowed to return with my art supplies later since they also each provided a convenient picnic table studio. That evening, I’d set up to paint as planned and had just lost myself in trying to capture nature’s beauty on paper, when I turned and to our mutual surprise came face to face with a lone hiker. Instead of passing by, he stood there … awkwardly.
“This is your site, isn’t it?” Oops. These sites had been empty for days and I’d even chosen the one farthest from the parking area. What were the odds? The guy was very gracious and said he was just stopping by to check out the site before biking over to the beach. He told me I could finish up, and I did add a few more touches, but my delicious Waldeinsamkeit* was lost, so I packed up and returned to my own less scenic site.
This was just one case where an art vest would have come in handy. It’s like having a tool organizer on your torso. No digging required. And so many lovely pockets! (Insert happy sigh here.) Not that it took me long to surrender the poor guy’s campsite, but we’re talking about a stand and move operation here, had he arrived with all his gear in hand.
It’s also convenient when a table is not available. When we visited Hunting Island State Park, we hiked down to a driftwood-strewn beach that begged inclusion in my sketchbook. I had all the supplies I needed in my backpack, and I managed to set them out on a wide log and straddle it like an art horse to sketch its tantalizingly gnarled roots. But as you might imagine, a rounded log is not an ideal surface for keeping all your supplies handy.
And so, the idea of an art vest sprouted in my mind. I wanted something with lots of storage inside and out and ended up finding a fishing vest WITH 15 POCKETS (as a life-long pocket addict, I think I actually drooled a little when this arrived)! Of course, I couldn’t resist customizing it a tad. I removed the breast pocket logo stitching and added a sweet dragonfly patch
It’s water-resistant (paper stored in the inside pockets should be quite safe), lightweight, and seems quite durable. On a hot day, the back outer shell can be tucked into a pocket below, leaving a vented mesh back. I think I may be on to something here. Not exactly what I would consider fashionable, but perhaps trend-setting in its practicality.
Admittedly, this first attempt makes me look a bit like an art commando … but is that so bad? Some special ops creating might be just what I need. Who knows? Fellow art nerds might find it’s just what they need too.
Leave a comment below and let me know what you think!
*Waldeinsamkeit is my latest favorite word. While apparently defying precise translation from German, it roughly breaks down to Wald = forest and Einsamkeit = solitude. But it’s more than just being alone in the woods, it’s that special feeling we get when finding solitude in the forest. In my mind, it’s something primal and joyful. Something that fills that emptiness that consumes us when we’ve been inside for too long. It’s the way things are supposed to be. It’s wonder and awe and the kind of inspiration that drives us to attempt to recreate all that beauty.
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