The summer holidays are finally upon us. I’m sure you’re celebrating the end of another year, especially after everything that’s happened in 2020.
But holidays can also be a time of stress for some because the end of term can come with a loss of focus, structure and motivation. So, I have a few more suggestions of interesting activities to fill your time and inspire you.
Graffiti artwork
I’m talking about graffiti-style art here, and not illegal vandalism. While graffiti artwork is very distinctive, it also allows for a lot of individuality and is very simple.
For those of you who love to draw but are lacking inspiration, graffiti art can be an excellent avenue of creative expression – all you need is a random word or object, draw an outline and fill it with colour. Try using coloured markers to get a big and bold look. You could drive to your local junkyard and pick up some old pieces of corrugated tin, grab some spray cans and practice graffiti art the traditional way. Just make sure you’re in a well-ventilated area and wearing a mask.
Star gazing and astrophotography
The night sky is a mysterious and beautiful landscape, but busy lifestyles can mean it often goes unnoticed. This summer, why not spend time outside studying the night sky?
You’ll need a location with a large expanse of visible sky and a low level of light pollution, which usually means heading inland. Humidity can also interfere with the view, so get out before the February heat waves hit. If you’re eager to take astrophotography to the next level, check out the websites for observatories around Australia, which hold regular stargazing events. Special lenses can be purchased for most camera models, and there are a range of astrophotography mobile apps to explore.
Writing poetry
Poetry is not all about philosophising and lamenting lost loves. Sometimes it can be light-hearted, funny or utterly ridiculous. If I’m struggling for inspiration, I’ll often write poetry just to let off some steam.
There are so many styles you can explore – haiku, limerick, or ballads. You could try concrete poetry, where the lines are manipulated so that the poem itself takes on a physical shape. Then there’s free verse, where you can go for your life and write whichever way you choose.
While poetry might initially conjure up memories of boring Shakespeare assignments in English, it can also be fun, cathartic and an excellent time-filler.
