Dedication

Rediscovering Life Memories with SVG and Inkscape

John Samuel

Dedicated to my Art and Drawing Teachers

With Gratitude

Over the past decade, this project has been shaped by the encouragement and feedback of numerous people—friends, acquaintances, colleagues, and kind strangers who took the time to engage with my work. What some might dismiss as "naive" or "simplistic" drawings, these individuals saw as something worth nurturing and celebrating.

Their words of encouragement have been invaluable. When doubt crept in, when I questioned whether these simple lines and shapes held any meaning, it was their feedback that reminded me of the value in continuing this journey. They saw beyond technical perfection to recognize the authenticity, the storytelling, and the personal expression embedded in each drawing.

One friend went beyond words of encouragement—they carefully selected some of my drawings and took the initiative to print them as a book and a calendar. This deeply personal gesture transformed my digital creations into tangible objects that could be held, shared, and experienced in everyday life. Their curation gave new meaning to these drawings, showing me how others see and value this work in ways I might never have imagined.

To those who offered constructive criticism, who shared their thoughts, who simply said "keep going," and especially to the friend who believed enough in these drawings to curate and print them—thank you. Your support transformed this from a solitary pursuit into a shared exploration of memory, creativity, and the beauty found in imperfection.

The Power of Encouragement

In a world that often celebrates technical mastery and polished perfection, it takes courage to embrace simplicity. The feedback I received taught me that art is not solely about precision or complexity—it's about connection, emotion, and the stories we choose to tell.

These so-called "naive" drawings became a testament to the power of persistence, the value of personal vision, and the importance of community in creative endeavors. Each piece of feedback, whether praising or questioning, became part of the work itself, shaping not just the drawings but my understanding of what it means to create with honesty and vulnerability.

To everyone who has been part of this journey—whether through a thoughtful comment, a word of encouragement, or simply by viewing these works—this project is also yours. Thank you for believing in the power of simple lines to tell complex stories.