Ink & Inspiration: Rediscover the Joy of Creation with Candace Milner

Sophia: Let's talk about the Joy of Creation. For you, what does that look like, feel like, and where does it come from in your artistic process?

Candace: A blank sheet of paper symbolises a fresh start, a new beginning… and a myriad possibilities. As someone who delights in most things stationery-related, my first thought when seeing a blank sheet of paper is: “Where’s my fountain pen?”, closely followed by “Which ink should I choose?”

Regardless of which pen and ink make the cut on any given day, the knowledge that I can create something with these tools imparts a sense of joy. Sometimes, I have a clear idea of exactly the type of shapes or patterns I wish to make, whereas, at other times, I have only a vague notion. Quite often, I make a start based on a memory of something I dreamt the night before. And as I begin, the feeling of starting something new brings excitement because it’s playtime once more. Because we’re never too old to play.

Playtime recharges our physical and mental batteries. For me, the pen-and-ink sessions are an opportunity to reset and reinvigorate myself, and time spent in this manner is a form of self-care to which I return repeatedly. The process also means that I am making something with my hands rather than scrolling mindlessly on my mobile device. I am as susceptible as the next person to digital distractions, thus any time I can reclaim from the digital demon is valued, and if pen and ink were used to create something, it’s a bonus!

S: My screen time reports are embarrassing… beyond escaping the digital abyss to touch grass, what does this creative outlet mean to you on a deeper level?

C: Working with these inks reminds me to be grateful for another day. I often find that it’s easy for one day to pass without much to distinguish it from the days on either side of it, and I’ve come to realise that my moods are often influenced by whatever work I happen to have in front of me. A good day is not merely the result of a productive session determined by the volume of output. The time spent in solitude with my chosen pen and ink brings forth a feeling of calm and contentment. I am able to slow down and appreciate the beauty in the moment as I watch and feel my nib gliding across the surface of the paper, then wait patiently for the ink to dry. I always look for at least one of those moments in my day. And if I happen to be working with a beautiful ink or two, so much the better!

S: I’m always chasing that moment of peace… it makes me think about the connection between creativity and mindfulness. How would you describe that connection in your own practice?

C: In my work, by default, I am required to be still, but when a particular pattern or specific pen stroke requires precision and care to execute, instead of holding my breath, I try to breathe in and out in rhythm with the action. A typical mindfulness exercise is to be still and to focus attention to the breath. It may sound a little strange, but breathing with intention helps to focus my attention on the task before me. Sometimes, I feel satisfaction in the moment; other times, when the work is not going as well as I had planned, I tell myself that the opportunity to improve lies in the next stroke — it’s literally within my control. I also remind myself not to give up - that the work is neither bad nor good - it’s simply another step in the process of refining what I do. If it does not work today, I can try again tomorrow — and it’s another opportunity to play and explore…

S: I know what you mean about forgetting to breathe and needing to be less in my head and more in my body. So, when you're choosing your inks, is it a similar kind of intuitive thing, or is there more to it?

C: Do you remember being a child and having a favourite toy, the one that would inevitably be chosen for multiple playtime scenarios? I often feel like that child with her favourite toy when selecting ink for a work. Some inks are so captivating that I reach for them repeatedly, resulting in successive works featuring the same one or two inks, over an extended period of time. Some might call it repetitive, but I call it basking in the charm of a beautiful ink.

There are times, of course, when my ink selection is brought forth by a more particular feeling: the pattern in front of me may call out for a combination of three to five contrasting colours today; whereas tomorrow, I may begin something new which requires only one ink. And before you ask, “Just one?”, yes! If it’s the right ink for the work, the possibilities for shading and variance can be excitingly numerous and the palette will feel as fresh and diverse as though I had dipped into a fleet of many ink bottles! As well as the pen, I can use a brush and water to wash, blend and layer the ink to create depth and shade and, hopefully, a pleasing and interesting result.

As for my use of fountain pens over other media, if you couldn’t already tell from my work, I do not have any formal training so everything I do is self-taught and therefore a slow iterative journey. I started creating art with fountain pens several years ago, and still feel that I am not done with this particular mode of expression yet so until that happens, I’m fully embracing and enjoying my Fountain Pen Era!

Candace's journey with fountain pens and inks beautifully illustrates the profound joy and mindfulness that can be found in creative expression. Her story reminds us that a blank page isn't an obstacle, but an invitation to play, a fresh start brimming with possibilities. It's a testament to the power of slowing down, finding meaning in the moment, and reconnecting with the simple delight of creation. From the calming rhythm of her breath, as she works to the childlike joy she finds in exploring the nuances of ink, Candace's artistic practice is a meditation in itself. It's a gentle nudge to go offline, escape the digital whirlwind and rediscover the beauty of tangible creativity. And it's an inspiring reminder that the artistic journey, wherever one may be on it, is about exploration and the joy of discovery.

Ready to play? Pick up a pen, explore the world of inks, and rediscover the joy of creation. What brings you back to your creative playground? PILOT's three new iroshizuku inks – Rikka (Snow Crystal), To-ro (Warm Lantern), and Syun-gyo (Spring Dawn) – are a great way to add some extra fun to your artistic adventures. Let us know what you create!

Colour play and the quiet beauty of slow creation are the lenses through which passionate creative Candace Milner sees the world. Her art, shared online @pensivecandy, offers a glimpse into her creative journey, where hypnotic geometric patterns emerge slowly and thoughtfully. Each deliberate stroke and stipple, a meditation in ink, pen and brush, reveals not just a finished piece, but the organic fusing of a life well lived and created with intention and a gentle, playful spirit.