Last Wednesday, I was invited by Susan Clements-Vivianto be guest speaker at SFU for the course IAT 208 Introduction to Drawing in SIAT. The course is “an overview of the various forms and languages of drawing as both a critical and creative research tool.”
I did two follow-me exercises: 3-D eyes (using charcoal), human face (china marker).
The entire class was recorded and Susan gave me permission to share the raw footage here! To follow along, you will need some paper, charcoal, a sharp edged eraser, a crayon and a china marker. Enjoy!
I have the pleasure of working with an extraordinary group of individuals at Mulberry PARC doing art projects that range from drawing, interactive art, sock animals and group painting/quilt!
Our latest session involved drawing the fox and creating two panels for tomorrow’s art show!
Fox animal symbolism takes a turn of intelligence in the Celtic realm, as the Celts believed the fox to be a guide, and was honored for its wisdom. The Celts understood the fox knows the woods intimately, and they would rely upon the fox as their guide in the spirit world.
At tomorrow’s art show ART IN THE PARC we will be showing our Fox panels…
Regarding my creative process, I welcome the conversations my inner critic instigates. [This is not the same voice that picks at my skull with negative self-judgment. That’s another thing all together].
I have learned how to dance with the inner critic in my art process, welcoming its critique versus criticism, allowing mistakes, experimenting, allowing editing, willing the throwing away of crap. It’s not about silencing the inner critic and pretending EVERYTHING I MAKE IS GREAT. It’s about allowing its presence as a natural part of being a creative human.
The participants in my art sessions have ranged in age from 2 to 105. And depending on the age group, the specific program, the vulnerabilities, the style of the students- the inner critics become vocal in varying ways.
Some inner critics are happy and healthy. There is nothing quite like working on your own art beside a 5 year old who so naturally dances with their inner critic as they work– joyously creating while making decisions on color, shape, style. Happily sharing techniques, insights, asking questions.
My nephew Henrik’s latest book cover
But some inner critics are negative, detrimentally vocal and hurting. When do some of us lose this joyous ability to dance with the inner critic? When does it become an inhibiting monster as opposed to an ally? How do we tame it?
Adults in particular struggle with perfectionism during my drawing classes. That is why I don’t hand out erasers (the eraser can become a crutch, and the participant may spend too much time “fixing” as opposed to diving in to the process). That is why I do a follow me technique so that we are all literally on the same page.
I have found an easy and magical way to create joy and surprise in my art classes that in turn surprises our inner critics– collecting and collaging the class’s drawing.
For example, last Monday, I facilitated my third session with older adults in Burnaby. The group bravely dove in to the session. My students quickly realize my exclamations of delight at what they draw are authentic- I get SO EXCITED about the way people make marks on paper.
There is a lot of laughter, a lot of concentration and dialogue, a lot of self-judgment and some express disgust at their drawings. So how do we tame that inner critic so as to not wallow in self-judgment and crumple up our work and throw it into the recycling bin?! How do I lift my students?
The real magic happens with we let go of our work, cut them out and create collages. TOGETHER- the drawings become MAGICAL. The class expresses surprise and delight and take ownership in the most delightful way. One participant expressed her delight- “I thought my drawing was so bad compared to yours and everybody else’s. But when I see it up there now in the midst of the rest of them, it looks so wonderful.” On Monday, we created 4 panels (which will be embellished with feathers and embroidery and exhibited at the residence).
Session 1: OWLS
Session 2: Bunnies
Session 3: Hummingbirds, Ladybugs
It has become a theme in my art teachings- collaging work as a group- be it on the streets or onto boards. I just love it.
Our inner critic is surprised. Our work as a group looks amazing. And we are building CONNECTION. By letting go of our work, by sharing it, combining it, we become a COMMUNITY.
IN THE MIDST OF COMMUNITY CENTRE ACTIVITY, WITH KIDS PLAYING BASKETBALL AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS OF ALL AGES WALKING THROUGH, DRAWN TOGETHER WORKED OUT BEAUTIFULLY. WE HAD THREE TABLES SET UP IN THE HALLWAY(!) AND THERE WAS A GREAT TURNOUT! THE BUSYNESS WAS INVIGORATING AND PARTICIPANTS WERE AMAZING!
HUGE THANK YOU TO ALISON DONNELLY WHO FACILITATED THE COLLAGE PORTION!
Join me on for BIG DRAW VANCOUVER on October 1 2016 10:30 AM-12:30 PM PT at Strathcona Community Centrein Vancouver BC (601 Keefer) as I host a two hour drawing session!
My fabulous artist friend, Alison Donnelly, will be co-hosting!
Try out chinamarkers on newsprint, add to a community art project using wheatpaste, join in as I run through some simple drawing lessons! You can finish some of my pre-prepped drawings, or draw whatever you like!
I am so honoured to have worked with such an incredible group of youth. And what a beautiful surprise to receive this hand done card from the students (24 x 43.5 inches):
We’re experimenting with a 1-2 times per month art afternoon at the Rubble Gallery and our first one was wonderful! And so was today!!! Thank you, ladies, and Henrik, for a fantastic afternoon and thank you Ari, Quinn, Bryn and the Rubble Gallery for your beautiful space!
Let’s let the photos speak for themselves!
My example of action line and form using Cher and Henrik as subject.
TAKE HOME EXERCISE:
We created a page of marks- drawing randomly in opposites- hard/soft, straight/curved, zig-zag/smooth etc.:
On a separate sheet we drew a portrait, pulling out the lights from the shadows using erasers:
Pull out the page of random marks and find the same face in those marks. Just using the marks you made! No new lines! I guarantee you’ll find some line, some shape that suits! This is an abstraction exercise called gesture drawing.
We’re experimenting with a 1-2 times per month art afternoon at the Rubble Gallery and our first one was wonderful! I taught the basics of drawing with charcoal and my students were sponges, inspiring me, each other and themselves with the results! We also worked on some journaling techniques. It’s marvelous to work in a gallery space surrounded by wonderful art!
Next session is Feb 26 12-3:30 PM $30/person (includes all supplies). There will be a 20 min break halfway (there’s a JJ Beans across the street).
We’ll be drawing the human figure, working on action lines, gesture drawing and abstraction as well. Charcoal is mess, so get ready to get dirty. You’ll also be sitting on the floor, so bring a pillow!