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Sketchbook Circle - The Open College of the Arts

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Sketchbook Circle

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In response to James Cowan’s post on an informal Paul Klee visit, I am very impressed with the student led activity that is happening, be it through study visits or social media groups.
I regularly peruse the student site with an interest in how students maintain motivation and engagement and the importance of peer and tutor contact.  Some of the concerns often raised with distance learning students is that it can be isolating and difficult to engage without that sense of connection with peers or access to constructive criticism.
With intrigue and interest I came across Bryony Miles’ post on launching a sketchbook circle. The basic idea is to;

  • Set up a circle of artists – minimum 3, doesn’t have to be the same discipline – and agree on a timeframe, maybe a year or 6 months
  • At the beginning of month 1 – everyone buys a new sketchbook and fills a few pages – it can be random doodling, something they are developing, a series on a theme – and at the end of the month sends it to the person next to them in the circle.
  • You have a month to ‘respond’ and then send it back
  • Month 3/4 you start again but send it to the person on the other side of the circle instead and so on.

The challenge is to react to something, to exchange ideas and push work in a new direction. To be open to giving and receiving critique and hopefully the regular deadlines will maintain momentum.
Bryony explains that the important thing is that everyone who signs up sticks to the agreement/timing so that it actually works.
One of those who wish to take part is OCA tutor Jo Davies. Jo explains ‘I’ve been an illustrator and working in the field of illustration as an educator and researcher for a long time. Drawing has always been pivotal to my work and I believe it to be fundamental to most art and design activity. My own reason for getting involved with the sketchbook circle is purely selfish! Over the years I have become very focussed on product- ie working towards something- this is mostly because of the demands on my time. I was pleased to see this post as the project provides the perfect opportunity for me to engage in an activity that brings a huge sense of personal fulfilment without that professional drive but with a focus and goal that will motivate me and inspire me and challenge me in new ways. Working with students is a thrilling prospect and I’m looking forward to learning from them.’
The idea is relevant to all OCA students as it can be inter disciplinary, essentially anyone can start and set one up at any time. As a recently enrolled illustration student I also intend to take part.
You can see Bryony’s original post on the Visual Communication forum on the student site and more information on sketchbook circles can be found here.
Upon going full circle we will share results, experience and work.
*Joanne is a member of the OCA’s Academic Services Team. She has a BA (Hons) in Fine Art – Painting, and a Higher Diploma in Art and Design for Art Teachers, both from Limerick School of Art and Design and has recently enrolled on the OCA’s illustration course.


Posted by author: Joanne

4 thoughts on “Sketchbook Circle

  • What happens to the sketchbook when it’s full up? I get very possessive about mine, but perhaps this is what I need to ‘let go’ of them!

  • This reminds me a bit of a postcard project I once did with a class. The first week I gave them each an art postcard at random. During the week they had to make some response to it on a postcard sized piece of card. They then each gave that to another member of the class who then went away to make a response to the response. Each week students gave their responses to a different student (This took some working out and went haywire if someone was off one week.) By the end of the ten week term, we had ten responses to each of ten cards (well responses to responses).These I exhibited in the corridor and it was interesting to see the Chinese whisper-like progression of ideas.

  • I think this is a fantastic project to be engaged in! Can I just ask, do you set a theme for your sketchbook? What is the premise of it? And why don’t you pass your book around the circle? Surely you want to collaborate with everyone in the group? Not sure if I’ve read it wrong or if there is a reason you get your own book back every other month?

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