The simplicity of this sketch makes me happy.

You need to play more. Have you forgotten how amongst all the smartness?

Back when I was in elementary school I used to stare at the raindrops on a window on stormy evenings and wonder about when and how time started... if it didn't, what's the world like... is there meaning to all this stuff in life... etc. etc. It was my favorite pasttime.

In a way... thinking IS my play.
So is art.

Are you sure it's still autotelic? That the motivation is still intrinsic?

Does it bring you joy?

Yes, it seems to be autotelic, it's driven by curiosity mostly. I can't make money, or fame, or anything useful out of thinking about what's the meaning of life - motivation seems to be intrinsic.

Does it bring joy? Sometimes, yes, along with wonderment. The activity itself is enjoyable, but most often it brings darker emotions - despair, sadness, confusion, hopelessness and anger seem to be common results.

No idea, maybe i'm just defunct in this regard - kicking a ball around, playing pool with friends doesn't bring me fun, i end up being too busy competing. I don't know how to "play" other than in art, thinking and exploring.

That still doesn't sound like pure play to me, necessarily. Part of play I think is leaving the ego behind entirely, experiencing a diminished sense of self that at once frees you from thought and completely reinforces who you are at the deepest level.

Do you laugh often?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WiHkqEWZTE

Ok, I give up, I don't know what play is then. I guess I just don't play.

Oh, so that's what laughter looks like... Thanks for the "reference material".
(Laughing? Damn, that stuff happens so rarely... I just let out a small automatic snicker when I encounter something amusing, that's about the closest i get to laughter on a daily basis. Also i smile when i think i'm supposed to... I wish I was joking about these.)

(comment fail again)

Once you hit adulthood it's hard to keep playing; everyone around makes it feel like it's wrong, or cheap, or silly, or fake. But I think it's an almost vital skill to remember... I'm lucky I got a job in a field that depends on play, though even here I don't think many people really do.

That's sad about laughter :\ Force yourself to laugh and then laugh at yourself for laughing? Or draw characters laughing - that way you can do it and play it off as artistic research...

Hm, that's very interesting. Mind if I ask what your job is? Or atleast what field it is?

<shrug> Ok. Heheeheheee. ( :| ) Harharharhar hahha-haaa. ( :| ) Lollolollmaorotflcopter. ( :\ ) Heheeee. ( :| )
I think that failed. I'll try sketching, it may just work - some people instantly assume the facial expression of what they're drawing when they draw (I get strange looks from people on the bus if I sketch maniacal looking characters at the time).

I design and produce video games. Usually very weird experimental and somewhat vague/esoteric ones, but games all the same. Part of my thesis research was on play and optimal experience theories, so I'm somewhat entranced by the subject.

See, I laughed at the thought of you laughing - maybe it just takes practice. Or more words like roflcopter. <_<

Achy belly laughs, snickers, chuckles, nervous laughter, oh-god-I-can't-hold-it-anymore laugh faces. Though the latter might wind up looking like something you've already drawn >_>

Hehe.

More reference: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iKjkPgVQcE

Ok, I give up, I don't know what play is then. I guess I just don't play.

Oh, so that's what laughter looks like... Thanks for the "reference material".
(Laughing? Damn, that stuff happens so rarely... I just let out a small automatic snicker when I encounter something amusing, that's about the closest i get to laughter on a daily basis. Also i smile when i think i'm supposed to... I wish I was joking about these.)

I do enjoy so these sketches of yours.

I have to agree, happiness is far too elusive it seems :/