[strict9]

For many of the reasons outlined in this introduction, I've taken up drawing, wood engraving, and origami/papercraft. The repetitive parts (carving lines or folding paper) in particular have an acute soothing psychological effect.

Additionally, my sense is that while engaged in these activities parts of the mind normally dormant while working with code all day spring to life.

Seems a good antidote to boredom or sadness is painting, drawing, sculpting, gardening, or something else that's a different language:

>Since change is an essential element in diversion of all kinds, it is naturally more restful and refreshing to read in a different language from that in which one's ordinary daily work is done.

[lsalvatore]

I've sadly come to the conclusion that painting is not a relief from coding for me. Coding is translating data logic to keyboard strokes, and then painting is conceptualizing very different abstract shapes into brush strokes. They are actually so similar in concept that the coding wears out the part of my brain that would be really helpful for painting. I've spent many days split between coding and painting and I've yet to come out the experience feeling extremely worn out at one of the two. Of course I'm talking about representational painting, not just making random marks. I've had many nights of making random marks with brush strokes and all I create is a mess. Perhaps I need to try to completely lose the analytical part of my brain during painting.

[obelix_]

The subject you pick and the reaction of the people around you to your initial attempts makes a big difference here.

People underestimate this.

So pick subjects that interest you or are sure to tickle/provoke/excite the people you intend to show the work too.