Old Trafford
RUBBISH BOOK
Sally
Introduction
Liz Lock & Mishka Henner What does rubbish say about a place? Can it be a portrait of a community? Is it a mistake to look for beauty in litter? And what does the accumulation of litter say about those we entrust to clear it? During March and April 2022, we sought answers to these questions with a series of Rubbish Life Drawing classes at OT Creative Space in Old Trafford. As residents, we wanted to find a way to talk about rubbish without resorting to the usual complaints or rants. Instead, we wanted to use art as a tool for reflection and for bringing people together. Participants were invited to bring their own garbage found on the way to the classes, and we provided a series of drawing exercises to help find a way to represent their litter.
One positive about doing Rubbish Life Drawing classes is the resulting drawings and paintings can literally be rubbish. It doesn’t matter how skillful you are or how well you can handle paint or a pencil. What matters is simply taking the time to make marks on paper, discuss whatever’s on your mind with strangers and friends, and enjoy the process of making and reflecting. This Rubbish Book filled with rubbish drawings and paintings doesn’t mean Old Trafford is a rubbish place. On the contrary, we love it here but it seems others don’t quite feel the same way. We hope that in these pages, the skills and talents of those who live here gives you a different perspective on the place and makes you think twice about littering.
DRINKS
Tegan
Margaret
Max
John
Anna
Norma
Liz
Becky
Lynda
Mishka
Becky
Andreas
Sandy
S.B.
Andreas
Dominic
Claire
Kitty
John
Natalia
Sarah
Lisa
Anna
Bryony
Emma
Lisa
Madison
Liz
Kaz
Ravinder
Charlotte
Emma
FOOD
Kaz
Amber
Sandy
Anna
Mike
Raheela
Ravinder
Terence
Mishka
Aokpa
Sheeylah
Ivana
Maryam
Max
Sally
Matt
Lynda
Umay
Mike
Lucien
Ibrahim
Kinga
Greig
Mandy
Mishka
Kitty
Sally
Norma
John
Liz
Sally
Tegan
Sarah
Margot
MATCHBOXES / CIGARETTES / VAPE PENS / TRAIN TICKETS / LOTTERY TICKETS / ANTIDEPRESSANT / TENNIS BALLS / HAND SANITISER / MOULD REMOVER / FOOD CRATES / FIDGET SPINNERS / CORKS / AIR FRESHENERS / PICTURE FRAMES / POST OFFICE RECEIPTS
Anna
Bronte
Helen
Aneurin
Fiona
Ivana
Laura
Liz
Mila
Lucy
August
Liz
Sally
Claire
Ellara
Camilla
Liz
Laura
Mishka
Laura
August
Emma
Frances
Helen
Kitty
Liz
Mishka
Liz
Old Trafford
RUBBISH BOOK Project devised and facilitated by Liz Lock & Mishka Henner, March–April 2022. With thanks to Lynda and Malcolm Sterling at OT Creative Space and all the participants.
mishkahenner.com otcreativespace.co.uk