Meaning: The quote by Lynn Johnston, a renowned cartoonist, provides a glimpse into the artist's early creative explorations and the limitations she faced in accessing information and resources. Johnston's words reflect a time when access to visual references and educational materials was limited, and individuals had to rely on their own ingenuity and resourcefulness to satisfy their curiosity and artistic pursuits.

In the quote, Johnston expresses how she would use unconventional methods to satisfy her creative and exploratory impulses. She mentions using a school yearbook to obtain a picture of someone she was in love with and then using it as a reference for creating portraits. This demonstrates her early interest in portraiture and the lengths she would go to in order to find inspiration and material for her art. It also speaks to the significance of personal connections and emotions in shaping her artistic expression.

Additionally, Johnston touches upon her curiosity about sex and her method of addressing this curiosity through drawing pictures. She candidly acknowledges the lack of available resources or books to educate herself on the subject, highlighting the challenges she faced in seeking information and knowledge during her formative years. Her resourcefulness in using her artistic skills to visually explore and understand a topic that was not readily accessible to her reflects her determination to learn and grow as an artist despite the constraints she encountered.

The quote also alludes to Johnston's use of her father's matches to burn the paper after drawing pictures. This detail adds a poignant layer to her narrative, suggesting a sense of secrecy and perhaps even a hint of rebellion in her artistic exploration. It speaks to the intimate and personal nature of her creative process, as well as the necessity of concealing her explorations in a time and environment where certain subjects may have been taboo or off-limits.

Overall, Johnston's quote provides insight into her early experiences as an artist, her resourcefulness in finding inspiration and references, and the challenges she faced in seeking knowledge and understanding. It also offers a glimpse into the personal and emotional dimensions of her creative journey, highlighting the role of love, curiosity, and the unconventional methods she employed in nurturing her artistic talents.

Lynn Johnston's quote serves as a reminder of the importance of creativity, resourcefulness, and resilience in the face of limitations and obstacles. It also underscores the transformative power of art as a means of self-expression, exploration, and understanding, especially in circumstances where traditional sources of knowledge and inspiration may be scarce or inaccessible.

In conclusion, Lynn Johnston's quote encapsulates her early experiences as an artist, shedding light on her creative process, resourcefulness, and the challenges she faced in pursuing her artistic passions. It offers a compelling glimpse into the personal, emotional, and practical dimensions of her artistic journey, inspiring reflection on the transformative power of art and the resilience of creative spirit in the face of adversity.