The Friday Sketch Club is a fantastic resource in a beautiful building, the Aubrey and Stanley Gallery at the University – just up the Parkinson Steps. They provide the paper, pencils and a topic. I find it cathartic and soothing. Yet I haven’t been in ages.
I always told myself that I was “crap at art” – I think I’ve said those three words to myself over and over again since school days. I probably have etched a superhighway in my brain telling me this. However…
I now often challenge this thinking and understand that our appreciation of art is subjective. Poetry is written from the heart, no matter how eloquent, or not, the wording may be. Creativity doesn’t feel so soul enriching when it is restricted to the elite. I like to think that it is not about the end product but the process – for myself at least.
Allowing myself to be creative can feel very nurturing – and a catharsis at times.
Friday Sketch Club – Aubrey and Stanley Gallery The secret Lives of Sculptures
The Maquette of the Levitating Woman (Model of a sculpture – The real one is in the University grounds) by Quienten Bell – to See if you can capture the fluid lines of the drapery and the dream-like figure in your sketch today.
A final note: I actually started writing this blog post eight months ago! I had stopped drawing and other creative activities as I felt I had pressing issues which should take precedence. However in retrospect I can see that it was especially important for me then, to keep activities which made me feel happy and in the moment. Keeping my spirit alive really is important for me to stay well.
I found this draft and for me it is a reminder for me of the importance of Joy.
Leeds Wellbeing Web 