Sketch sparks
Caroline Sato
Every week I sit down for an hour of sketching with friends
2 short sketches and one long one is the concept of these online sketch sprints.
Each session, someone points their computer or phone camera at a still life they have arranged At the end of the hour, we take a group photo with the sketch, each with different character despite drawing the same thing
We have the privilege of drawing a range of different aesthetics when different people make the still life, which is in some way like a little peep into a soul
Whatever my mood to begin with, by the end of the sketching sessions, I obtain both sanity and colourful fingernails.
In 2021, I put some of my sketches up on social media and there was such a positive reaction. Powerfully affirming was enquiries about sale I sketch because it grounds me, but it is so encouraging to think that some sketches will have a home Following on from that situation, in 2022 when I was in a pinch, I had a sketch sale to restock my crayons. There was such generosity that I was able to buy a full box When I open the box the box to draw, I feel the support of all those women who enabled me to continue
One aspect of the sketch sprints is the ideas that spark. The unpredictable way that the practice of sketching grows into other creations is really one the charms. At one stage, we drew houses thanks to Barbara Kuhn, an architect. It was something I was unenthusiastic about, but from that, I started carving houses in wood Some were framed and exhibited in India, again thanks to receptiveness, efforts and generosity of the women around me.
Sketching ginger sparked a rethink about how I draw. Rather then an outline first, building on sections as they would have developed made better images. This was funny as it is the way I approach garment construction.
With this, I grew more ginger. The ones that appealed to me glinted gold in the sgraffito. They took their form because of a gift of sumi from SunChun Lee.
The sumi gift developed into commemorating lives...
and catching moments of ones near and dear.
I have been thinking about the crafted aspect of art. Practice makes a skill better. Allowing myself an hour a week felt selfish at first. Buying my first box of crayons also felt selfcentred. I get to stages where I looks at the papers piling up and think 'what is it for?' and 'I'm just making waste'. But as things come out on the paper and find homes, sketching starts to feel worth the time and resources. It is also the sparks that come from the process of sketching. The more I do, the more sparks come. Above all though, it is the encouragement that fuels the will to keep going. It began with my mother and continues with you. Without it, none of this would have developed. Thank you.
The biggest delight from SunChun's sumi was the foray into orizome. Folding and dyeing paper and the magic that results.
Books developed from black and white into colour. I have been giving orizome workshops, making books for sale to get money for the paper and dye as it is a technique worth sharing and so accessible.
Currently I try to catch some making moments on the dyed papers
Looking forward, I hope I can make more time to seek the magic rather then struggle with logistics I have my sights set on dyeing more washi and forms of Japanese lanterns that are a community space, though I need to find the way to fund that The Hahndorf lantern festival in South Australia has aspects dear to my heart - creative mentoring of children, a platform for creative spirits and ultimately a connection of people Don't just watch this space, join in. Creation is much richer together
Thanks to everyone who has set up the sketches over the years and the lovely conversations that go with them. I hope they have been as enriching for you as they have for me. Thanks also to my family for bearing patiently with the chaotic mess and absent mind: the labour of creation. Sometimes a little glint is enough It doesn't have to ignite to inspire. Wishing you all the capacity to catch those sparks.
