I use a variation of vector drawing when I do my sculptures. The technique is unlike traditional drawing methods, where the artist uses an instrument (like pen or pencil) to create the line and the image at the same time. In this process of drawing, the artist takes an already created line, then shapes it into an image by bending and twisting it. I call it Vector Drawing after the drawing process used by some computer programs.

I find that Vector Drawing uses a different set of creative abilities then traditional drawing. In traditional drawing, the artist creates a likeness of something in one or a few strokes of a pen or pencil on paper. In Vector Drawing, the artist measures out a length of wire, first. Next, he bends it into something. Then, he views it and bends again. The image is never final, like the one made of ink on paper. Even months later, after viewing it on a wall, the artist can still make minor changes by bending or twisting the wire.

Vector Drawing isn’t new, either. Art students are often assigned a wire drawing project. Alexander Calder used the technique. Computer artists use the technique. Only, they use a line created by a computer (not wire), and they change it by manipulating “handles” at each end of the line.

Because they are produced differently, the wire drawings have a different feel to them. Because they aren’t attached to paper or canvas, they can be big without costing a lot. Because they hang slightly away from the wall,