SALT Central Coast Issue 2 | Page 26

INSTALLATION Gallery Life on the Coast The Beauty of Drawing In our fast paced, high-tech world, the ability to express ideas through drawing remains a passion for many people. Over the centuries, drawing has been foundational for many artistic endeavours, however has often been seen as secondary to sculpture and painting, and in the 21st century, video arts. Even so, it is surprising, that many art school establishments see drawing as an outmoded discipline, at odds with the conceptual emphasis of many courses. Thankfully, there’s been a resurgence of interest in this most beautiful art form—drawing. The 20th and 21st centuries have seen major changes in the art and design fields, with experts suggesting that technology has done away with the need for drawing altogether. In an age of digital reproductions, drawing seems to have taken a platform of its own, being appreciated for its uniqueness and discipline, an end in itself, rather than just part of the preliminary process of creativity. There are interesting parallels between drawing and singing. Both art forms are expressive, raw and direct. They’re also very transportable. Easy to pick up and take anywhere, or perhaps the creativity and expression involved can carry the artist somewhere beyond themselves. The concentration that is necess ary for drawing becomes a form of creative, active meditation which is great for the soul, the mind and especially the creative spirit that dwells in all of us—just waiting to be awakened. Sketching is a great way of using ‘dead’ time in a doctors’ waiting rooms, or on the train, at the airport, or beach. I’ve found time flies when I have been sketching, totally absorbed and concentrating on rendering an idea. It’s a wonderful thing to be able to focus like this in our demanding and often scattered worlds, and a good antidote to technological addictions! Paper is a place where ideas are expressed, brain-storming happens and concepts are tried out. One can ‘think aloud’. A sketchbook is a great starting point for putting down random ideas, free of judgment. Some of these ideas may be seeds for later creativity, in years to come With drawing you can: • • • • • • • create finished works of art record your response to new places/people/things like a photo album, create a visual diary develop ideas pass time creatively (rather than reverting to technology) record details for more finished work try out compositional ideas Finally, I would like to encourage our readers to reclaim some childhood imagination and have fun with drawing. You can start right where you are. Ideas are all around: people, nature, objects, interiors, buildings, landscapes... If you’re not sure where to start with drawing, Bobbie P Gallery is offering drawing courses and at the end of July a weekend workshop at the beautiful Noonaweena Eco Resort in Kulnurra. This is a great opportunity to develop your artistic side in a relaxed and fun environment. For further information contact: Robyn Pedley at Bobbie P Gallery, 11 Alison Road Wyong 2259 P: 0490 061 949 W: bobbiepgallery.com E: [email protected] Gallery hours: Mon, Wed, Fri 10:30am-3:00pm, Thur 10:30-6pm, Sat 10:30-1pm (closed Tue & Sun) 24