Teaching this kind of drawing workshop has come from my creative practice, and shared dialogue with other people and artists. I co founded Walking Talking and Drawing ten years ago with Denise Franklin. The workshops were developed from our shared walks, use of sketch books and conversations.
We have different approaches to drawing based on our respective training. I was encouraged to draw as a way of expressing craft and design ideas and Denise was encouraged to draw as an end in itself or as a preliminary activity to painting. Together we employ a variety of techniques and approaches that means any group working with us gets huge value – both in 1-1 attention to group members and as two artists illuminating our practice and being able to share our knowledge and philosophy.
What will students gain if they come on a drawing course?
The group will explore together the use of different papers, pencils, charcoal, chalk, water based paints and inks, wax, fine liners, sticks, erasers, pens etc. On some courses we use or make simple books to document and hold the work. These books will include drawings, marks, collage, words, inspirations, found objects, thoughts, conversations and montage. These books are personal and can be extended or referred to once the course has finished.
You will leave the workshops with increased confidence and a greater insight into your creativity. You will have fun with materials and have rich conversations with other people. We ran a similar workshop with the Crafts Council new awardees and this is quote from a person in the group: “I could have done this all day! It was great to be drawing without a purpose in mind and reminded me how important these exercises can be in developing space for thinking.”
The workshop days encourage everyone to talk about the days and share their technical and intellectual insights.
Where did you gain your training/experience?
I have research and academic experience based on my time at the University of Wolverhampton: M.A. in Art and Design (Distinction) State University of New York at Buffalo: Advanced course in Ceramics. Goldsmiths College, University of London: B. Ed., Cert.Ed.
Denise attended the University of East London – Post Grad Dip. Visual Theories Newcastle Poly – BA Hons Fine Art & Art History Middlesex Poly – Foundation Art
What teaching experience have you had?
Between us we have extensive teaching experience and I have taught at BTEC, Foundation, City and Guilds, undergraduate and postgraduate levels. I am a fully qualified arts trainer specialising in professional development for creative people. I have delivered many clay and glaze workshops and been employed as a trainer and consultant to the creative sector in the UK.
I have shown my work widely both here and abroad including:
Hastings Museum; The Easton Rooms; Rye Art Gallery; Cockpit Arts, London; Claude Andre Galerji, Brussels, Belgium; Galerie Handwerk, Munich, The Biscuit Factory, Newcastle. Wolverhampton Museum; Six to Six Gallery, New York; Carnegie Cultural Centre, North Tonawanda, New York; Oak Passage Studios, Hastings; Rye Harbour Church, Coastal Currents; St. Mary’s in the Castle, Hastings; Brewery Arts Centre, Gloucestershire. Yew Tree Gallery, Cornwall, Graze on Grand, St.Leonards on Sea, Baxters Gallery, Dartmouth, Devon.