" My father was a painter, so I was encouraged to take a sketchbook everywhere. Cameras are perishable, but I still have tonnes of sketchbooks from all the trips I’ve ever been on. It gets you by when you don’t know what to give people as a gift; drawings are good souvenirs. "
- Jane Birkin

Jane Birkin reflects on her upbringing and how it influenced her creative journey. She mentions that her father was a painter who encouraged her to carry a sketchbook wherever she went, emphasizing the importance of capturing moments through drawing rather than relying solely on cameras. This habit has led her to accumulate numerous sketchbooks filled with drawings from various trips throughout her life.

The deeper meaning behind Birkin's words suggests the enduring value of artistic expression and documentation beyond just visual representation. While photographs can capture fleeting moments in time, sketches offer a more personal touch, revealing the artist’s perspective and feelings at the moment they are created. Furthermore, drawings serve as meaningful gifts that recipients can keep forever, unlike perishable items or mass-produced souvenirs. This practice highlights the importance of engaging with one's surroundings through an intimate form of expression rather than just capturing them passively.

Jane Birkin is a British-French actress and singer known for her distinctive voice and eclectic style. Born to a family rich in artistic heritage, she has carried forward this legacy by maintaining a close relationship with art throughout her life. Her words offer insight into the lasting impact that early exposure to creative activities can have on individuals, encouraging people to find unique ways to connect with their experiences and express themselves authentically.