Shallal Sketchbooks
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A travelling library of sketchbooks, interactive exhibitions & workshops. Connecting people and places, sharing stories and art.
Shallal Sketchbooks is lead by Shallal Studio supported by Falmouth Art Gallery made possible with funding from Arts Council England through a Cornwall Museums Partnership initiative.
Shallal Sketchbooks is lead by Shallal Studio supported by Falmouth Art Gallery made possible with funding from Arts Council England through a Cornwall Museums Partnership initiative.
Community sketchbook workshops are gratefully supported by Feast http://feastcornwall.org/
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Sketchbook by the Magpie Art Group from Penzance
Sketchbook by The Overbury family
Sketchbook by Jo McIntosh
Sketchbook by Sue Dove
Shallal Sketchbooks at St Ives Library
Returning exhibition this Spring
March 19 to April 16
Truro Library Storytime Group
This lovely sketchbook was produced over the Autumn and Winter by the projects youngest participants from Truro following the Shallal Sketchbooks Library Tour.
This lovely sketchbook was produced over the Autumn and Winter by the projects youngest participants from Truro following the Shallal Sketchbooks Library Tour.
SKETCHBOOK STORIES -
Anna Sidney
Collage Artist.
"I create artwork in my spare time when I'm not working at Truro Library. This was where I was introduced to this fascinating sketchbook project and it inspired me to make time to experiment again with this format.
My philosophy is that how you make people feel is just as important as what you make. I compare my collage flowers to mandalas that I hope are as meditative to view as they are to make. I take inspiration from the vibrant colours and textures of the Cornish landscape and I am never happier than when I am at the coast.
My interest in visual and performing arts has highly influenced me and traces of my theatrical training are evident in my work. From the intricate stitching reminiscent to costume making, to the loose flowing style that when viewed from a distance becomes more defined like a stage set.
I am drawn to the fragility of paper that can be transformed into something majestic by a simple coat of glue. I produce unique one off pieces of artwork out of paper which I lovingly source, intricately layer, glue or hand stitch into place. I love the randomness of the torn edges, that slot together in a process I equate to being like doing a giant jigsaw puzzle.
My sketchbooks are often chaotic and very random with images I've seen with my magpie eye. I wanted this project to be more ordered and structured. My initial inspiration for this sketchbook was to explore a narrative in a book form and my own creative process. This narrative theme which is often present in my work and was the reason I named my blog 'A Homespun Yarn' revealing my love of storytelling and tall tales.
Doing this sketchbook gave me a different focus and having a limitation with the cut through element of the book, it became a good test of my problem solving skills. Looking at how the images worked with each other in a sequence forward and back, rather than just on a flat plane as with a single picture. I unexpectedly really enjoyed playing with typeface in relation to the pictures.
I could never live without beautiful paper, a passion that I have been perfecting since childhood and my tiny embroidery scissors in their little leather holster. I read magazines and rather than read the articles these days I see potential new artwork.
For the past year I have been working on a 100 day paper collage project to try and develop my artwork and to explore the limitations of collage. I recently exhibited a picture in the Imagine Falmouth exhibition at Falmouth Gallery and I hope to exhibit my 100 days project when it is complete in early spring.
I hope my sketchbook will raise the profile of collage art and what detailed images can be made with the medium."
Anna Sidney
Collage Artist.
"I create artwork in my spare time when I'm not working at Truro Library. This was where I was introduced to this fascinating sketchbook project and it inspired me to make time to experiment again with this format.
My philosophy is that how you make people feel is just as important as what you make. I compare my collage flowers to mandalas that I hope are as meditative to view as they are to make. I take inspiration from the vibrant colours and textures of the Cornish landscape and I am never happier than when I am at the coast.
My interest in visual and performing arts has highly influenced me and traces of my theatrical training are evident in my work. From the intricate stitching reminiscent to costume making, to the loose flowing style that when viewed from a distance becomes more defined like a stage set.
I am drawn to the fragility of paper that can be transformed into something majestic by a simple coat of glue. I produce unique one off pieces of artwork out of paper which I lovingly source, intricately layer, glue or hand stitch into place. I love the randomness of the torn edges, that slot together in a process I equate to being like doing a giant jigsaw puzzle.
My sketchbooks are often chaotic and very random with images I've seen with my magpie eye. I wanted this project to be more ordered and structured. My initial inspiration for this sketchbook was to explore a narrative in a book form and my own creative process. This narrative theme which is often present in my work and was the reason I named my blog 'A Homespun Yarn' revealing my love of storytelling and tall tales.
Doing this sketchbook gave me a different focus and having a limitation with the cut through element of the book, it became a good test of my problem solving skills. Looking at how the images worked with each other in a sequence forward and back, rather than just on a flat plane as with a single picture. I unexpectedly really enjoyed playing with typeface in relation to the pictures.
I could never live without beautiful paper, a passion that I have been perfecting since childhood and my tiny embroidery scissors in their little leather holster. I read magazines and rather than read the articles these days I see potential new artwork.
For the past year I have been working on a 100 day paper collage project to try and develop my artwork and to explore the limitations of collage. I recently exhibited a picture in the Imagine Falmouth exhibition at Falmouth Gallery and I hope to exhibit my 100 days project when it is complete in early spring.
I hope my sketchbook will raise the profile of collage art and what detailed images can be made with the medium."
Penzance Library Book Group
The Book Group joined the project in November following a Shallal Sketchbooks Exhibition in the Library.
The Book Group joined the project in November following a Shallal Sketchbooks Exhibition in the Library.
SKETCHBOOK STORIES -
Claire Gladstone
Senior fine print Technician at Plymouth University.
"Many things inspire me from politics and injustice to the potency of certain objects; however, I always return to memory and the way things can change in each retelling of a thought or an event.
I work with fine print, often from photographic images. Almost everything starts as a photograph and I frequently use text. I think, make notes, read & play with ideas. It is a rare day when I make anything spontaneously, everything is considered; however I love nothing more than a happy accident and may return to older work and change it.
I started my sketchbook with a found image I had made and stuck it in and just kept adding to it.
My sketchbooks are usually a real jumble of lists and all sorts of junk but after doing this project I have started making more considered sketchbooks, that are almost little works of art on each page and the junk/lists go in a notebook. They are my visual diaries (I have several on the go) that I can dip into and try to remember what I was thinking, which in turn makes me think afresh.
I couldn't live without a Rochat etching press, scalpel, cutting mat, quality ink and beautiful paper. And I am loathe to say this but my phone for it's camera.
I have a participatory project called Altered Sheds, where I give a polaroid sized image of a shed (taken in the Chernobyl exclusion zone) which you are free to alter in any way you desire. It is then returned to Altered Sheds with £4 - the money goes to Shelterbox and the print becomes part of a touring exhibition where all participants are credited.
I am also taking part in & curating an exhibition of prints by students and staff at Plymouth University, along with producing a new body of work based around the unreliable nature of memory within a familial context.
I hope my Shallal Sketchbook will make you question what I was thinking and then think about it yourself."
Claire Gladstone
Senior fine print Technician at Plymouth University.
"Many things inspire me from politics and injustice to the potency of certain objects; however, I always return to memory and the way things can change in each retelling of a thought or an event.
I work with fine print, often from photographic images. Almost everything starts as a photograph and I frequently use text. I think, make notes, read & play with ideas. It is a rare day when I make anything spontaneously, everything is considered; however I love nothing more than a happy accident and may return to older work and change it.
I started my sketchbook with a found image I had made and stuck it in and just kept adding to it.
My sketchbooks are usually a real jumble of lists and all sorts of junk but after doing this project I have started making more considered sketchbooks, that are almost little works of art on each page and the junk/lists go in a notebook. They are my visual diaries (I have several on the go) that I can dip into and try to remember what I was thinking, which in turn makes me think afresh.
I couldn't live without a Rochat etching press, scalpel, cutting mat, quality ink and beautiful paper. And I am loathe to say this but my phone for it's camera.
I have a participatory project called Altered Sheds, where I give a polaroid sized image of a shed (taken in the Chernobyl exclusion zone) which you are free to alter in any way you desire. It is then returned to Altered Sheds with £4 - the money goes to Shelterbox and the print becomes part of a touring exhibition where all participants are credited.
I am also taking part in & curating an exhibition of prints by students and staff at Plymouth University, along with producing a new body of work based around the unreliable nature of memory within a familial context.
I hope my Shallal Sketchbook will make you question what I was thinking and then think about it yourself."
Shallal Sketchbooks at The Exchange Gallery
"Love the sketchbooks, so much creativity."
The sketchbook collection is part of the wonderful Doorways exhibition with Shallal Dance Theatre at The Exchange Gallery in Penzance.
Shallal Sketchbooks Exhibition at Helston Museum
"The sketchbooks caught my attention - the colours and patterns, the variety of media, especially the prints. The collection highlights the different ways in which we see the world & our unique viewpoints."
"A lovely, inclusive & creatively freeing idea."
"Inspiring work! Have found myself relaxing whilst being drawn into the art."
"The sketchbooks caught my attention - the colours and patterns, the variety of media, especially the prints. The collection highlights the different ways in which we see the world & our unique viewpoints."
"A lovely, inclusive & creatively freeing idea."
"Inspiring work! Have found myself relaxing whilst being drawn into the art."
SKETCHBOOK STORIES -
Gazelle - Diana Forrest
It was a pleasure to meet Diana back in October at the St Ives workshop and such a delight to receive her sketchbook in December.
Diana was born in Canada and later lived in Africa for 20 years, hence her signature name 'Gazelle'. Well travelled & multi talented she studied in the US before returning to live in the UK, making St Ives home for the past 18 years. Diana's sketchbook features colourful digital paintings of local seascapes and still life.
"I am inspired by still life, portraits, life drawing, sea & landscapes. My art processes are sketching, ipad work & oil painting which I transform to a digital painting. I use oils, prints, decoupage, ceramics, silver & bronze but the materials I couldn't live without are canvas, hardboard, oils & clay.
I really enjoyed putting my digital paintings together in the sketchbook & I hope my book will inspire others to advance their artistic self in new or old technology."
Gazelle - Diana Forrest
It was a pleasure to meet Diana back in October at the St Ives workshop and such a delight to receive her sketchbook in December.
Diana was born in Canada and later lived in Africa for 20 years, hence her signature name 'Gazelle'. Well travelled & multi talented she studied in the US before returning to live in the UK, making St Ives home for the past 18 years. Diana's sketchbook features colourful digital paintings of local seascapes and still life.
"I am inspired by still life, portraits, life drawing, sea & landscapes. My art processes are sketching, ipad work & oil painting which I transform to a digital painting. I use oils, prints, decoupage, ceramics, silver & bronze but the materials I couldn't live without are canvas, hardboard, oils & clay.
I really enjoyed putting my digital paintings together in the sketchbook & I hope my book will inspire others to advance their artistic self in new or old technology."
Shallal Sketchbooks start the new year at Helston Museum from January 8 to January 22. The inspiring library of artist sketchbooks will be exhibited with a vibrant mix of artwork from Shallal Dance Theatre's Cornish Doorways Project. Expect photography by Belinda Whiting, costume & props from recent shows, installation work and paintings celebrating the life of Cornish philanthropist John Passmore Edwards.
2017.... a year of your art & stories
"seeing my work featured made me smile"
"seeing my work featured made me smile"
Shallal Sketchbooks workshop at Falmouth Art Gallery with the Magpie art group from Penlee House Gallery & Museum during the Alternative Visions Exhibition which shows until December 10.
The Autumn Tour continues with exhibitions & workshops at Penzance Library & Falmouth Art Gallery.
SKETCHBOOK STORIES -
Jeremy James Lovelady "An artist gains his/her understanding from the atmosphere with things like science to achieve a solid understanding of what is seen & understood as art : photography, 3D, print and painting. I love art because you can achieve something really easily, it's something a child can do, so you can get started young if you want. To achieve gives you confidence which feels good and it's therapeutic. In the Bible somewhere it says... And to the artist, you are poor but your work is rich. I believe this is true."
Jeremy joined the sketchbook project in March at Redwing Gallery in Penzance. His work Crytical Mass is part of the Alternative Visions exhibition showing at Falmouth Art Gallery until December 10.
Jeremy James Lovelady "An artist gains his/her understanding from the atmosphere with things like science to achieve a solid understanding of what is seen & understood as art : photography, 3D, print and painting. I love art because you can achieve something really easily, it's something a child can do, so you can get started young if you want. To achieve gives you confidence which feels good and it's therapeutic. In the Bible somewhere it says... And to the artist, you are poor but your work is rich. I believe this is true."
Jeremy joined the sketchbook project in March at Redwing Gallery in Penzance. His work Crytical Mass is part of the Alternative Visions exhibition showing at Falmouth Art Gallery until December 10.
Join Karen Howse on Wednesday 11 October at Launceston Library with Shallal Sketchbooks for a drop in art session. The collection of sketchbooks will be exhibiting in the library as part of National Library week.
SKETCHBOOK STORIES -
In August Karen Howse was the artist in residence during the Charles Causley 100th Birthday week celebrations. Artists & writers accompanied Karen on a sketching walk around the poet's home town of Launceston recording the event in their sketchbooks.
"Launceston has been my home for over 20 years, so living in Cyprus Well was an honour and a wonderful opportunity for me as an artist to explore the house and Charles Causley's poetry. Finding echoes within the house, within the poetry and within me.
My first drawing is of a chair in the study. 'The welcoming chair' as I call it. I certainly didn't set out to draw the chairs in the house. They chose me. They have a human dimension. I find myself measuring them as I would a human figure checking proportions with a squinted eye and pencil.
During my residency I led a drawing in Causley's footsteps walk. People liked the fact that poems were read (I used Charles' recordings for some of the poems) and they made drawings in the places the poems spoke about. Participants said it woke them up to the place, so they could see it with different eyes. I valued the conversations that were opened up about the town and the place of poetry in people's lives and how the act of drawing and walking helped this."
In August Karen Howse was the artist in residence during the Charles Causley 100th Birthday week celebrations. Artists & writers accompanied Karen on a sketching walk around the poet's home town of Launceston recording the event in their sketchbooks.
"Launceston has been my home for over 20 years, so living in Cyprus Well was an honour and a wonderful opportunity for me as an artist to explore the house and Charles Causley's poetry. Finding echoes within the house, within the poetry and within me.
My first drawing is of a chair in the study. 'The welcoming chair' as I call it. I certainly didn't set out to draw the chairs in the house. They chose me. They have a human dimension. I find myself measuring them as I would a human figure checking proportions with a squinted eye and pencil.
During my residency I led a drawing in Causley's footsteps walk. People liked the fact that poems were read (I used Charles' recordings for some of the poems) and they made drawings in the places the poems spoke about. Participants said it woke them up to the place, so they could see it with different eyes. I valued the conversations that were opened up about the town and the place of poetry in people's lives and how the act of drawing and walking helped this."
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Sketchbook Exhibition & Workshop St Ives Library - October 2 to 6 Browse the collection of wonderfully diverse artist books, start your own sketchbook story, contribute to the collaborative library sketchbook on Wednesday 4 at 11.30am. |
SKETCHBOOK STORIES -
Joni Carpenter from Love it Art " The sketchbooks by my student groups from Angmering & Worthing in West Sussex and Hove in East Sussex where sessions take place in residential homes. I have been working with adults with learning disabilities for the last 5 years and enjoy seeing the wonderful expressive work that is produced. Shallal Sketchbooks has been great to take part in as my students have loved filling the pages using the simplest of tools."
Joni Carpenter from Love it Art " The sketchbooks by my student groups from Angmering & Worthing in West Sussex and Hove in East Sussex where sessions take place in residential homes. I have been working with adults with learning disabilities for the last 5 years and enjoy seeing the wonderful expressive work that is produced. Shallal Sketchbooks has been great to take part in as my students have loved filling the pages using the simplest of tools."
SKETCHBOOK STORIES -
Max Whetter "I've just started the FdA contemporary creative practice at Cornwall College. I have been painting for as long as I can remember but recently began experimenting with colour & different techniques. I think my sketchbook represents this phase well. Many thanks, I really enjoyed getting involved in the project."
Max Whetter "I've just started the FdA contemporary creative practice at Cornwall College. I have been painting for as long as I can remember but recently began experimenting with colour & different techniques. I think my sketchbook represents this phase well. Many thanks, I really enjoyed getting involved in the project."
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Sketchbook Exhibition
Truro Library - September 18 to 22 Start your sketchbook story, learn about the artists & the project, contribute to the collaborative Truro Library sketchbook, drop in for a sketch on Monday 18 September at 11am. |
SKETCHBOOK STORIES -
Anne Whetter
At the end of the summer term we took to the road to meet sketchbook artists in their creative spaces. It was a pleasure to meet Anne at her working studio. A delight to photograph, Studio Ten on Bond Street in Redruth has 3 resident artists, a gallery space with selected guest artists & a space for workshops even yoga. Anne and her son Max were inspired to join Shallal Sketchbooks after seeing the exhibition at Redwing Gallery, Penzance back in March. Anne talked about her sketchbook & the inspiration behind it. Her mixed media work is beautiful, vibrant with a richness of colour.
" My sketchbook is based on a house I see each morning on my walk to the studio. The building is on a hill in the distance & mysteriously I am yet to find it. My interpretation of the house on the hill features a lot in my current work. Joining the project has helped me reconnect with using a sketchbook again which then opens up new avenues and ways of working. My advice to artists starting this project... be free & don't over think it !! "
Anne Whetter
At the end of the summer term we took to the road to meet sketchbook artists in their creative spaces. It was a pleasure to meet Anne at her working studio. A delight to photograph, Studio Ten on Bond Street in Redruth has 3 resident artists, a gallery space with selected guest artists & a space for workshops even yoga. Anne and her son Max were inspired to join Shallal Sketchbooks after seeing the exhibition at Redwing Gallery, Penzance back in March. Anne talked about her sketchbook & the inspiration behind it. Her mixed media work is beautiful, vibrant with a richness of colour.
" My sketchbook is based on a house I see each morning on my walk to the studio. The building is on a hill in the distance & mysteriously I am yet to find it. My interpretation of the house on the hill features a lot in my current work. Joining the project has helped me reconnect with using a sketchbook again which then opens up new avenues and ways of working. My advice to artists starting this project... be free & don't over think it !! "
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SKETCHBOOK STORIES -
Kathy and Zoe A sunny morning in late July with a bright and warm welcome at the home of Kathy, a GP and her daughter Zoe, 8 from St Agnes, Cornwall. Kathy and Zoe joined Shallal Sketchbooks at Falmouth Art Gallery during the February half term exhibition. The family are a creative bunch with a room dedicated to craft, filled with children's art , materials, fabric and a sewing machine. When I arrived Zoe was decorating cakes for the village show and preparing her entry for the children's art competition. Whilst Kathy was making cards alongside her current sewing project, a memorial quilt. " I am happiest when I'm making. " Zoe is inspired by nature, loves painting and sewing, attends pottery and art club. She shows me her artwork, pottery and felt work including her sketchbook which has joined the current collection. Kathy and I talk over a cup of tea about making time for creativity, the importance and therapeutic benefits of being creative in any form. |
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The fabulous collection of sketchbooks will be at Falmouth Library for the summer holidays. "A fascinating & diverse selection of art & musings by people of all ages."
Browse, join in & drop off completed sketchbooks.
Browse, join in & drop off completed sketchbooks.
The Big Tent Festival drop in & draw with Shallal Sketchbooks
SKETCHBOOK STORIES -
Fiona Thomas
'It was great to just mark make & become childlike in filling the book over two days. It made me feel free not needing it to be just right! More lovely surprise moments came out of randomly doing things & not overthinking it'
Sketchbook stories & sharing ... Keep going!
Fiona Thomas
'It was great to just mark make & become childlike in filling the book over two days. It made me feel free not needing it to be just right! More lovely surprise moments came out of randomly doing things & not overthinking it'
Sketchbook stories & sharing ... Keep going!
View the growing collection of sketchbooks at Falmouth Art Gallery over the Easter Holidays. April 4 - 17.
The current exhibition at Redwing Gallery, Penzance. The gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday from 11:00am to 4.30pm.
Shallal Sketchbooks latest exhibition at Redwing Gallery, Penzance.
Browse the collection of artist sketchbooks and join the project.
Shallal Sketchbooks Exhibtion February 2017 Falmouth Art Gallery
Join the creative adventure by email shallalprojects@gmail.com to register and we will send a free sketchbook to you.
You can also join at Falmouth Art Gallery.
Follow the journey on Instagram and facebook.
www.facebook.com/shallalsketchbooks/
www.instagram.com/shallalsketchbooks/
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Helston Museum January 2017 Shallal Sketchbook Exhibtion |
Join in...
There is a sketchbook project join up and drop off at Falmouth Art Gallery.
Simply register and collect your free book. When completed your sketch book can be returned to the gallery or mailed back to us.
draw - dream - cut out - photograph - collage - write - anything goes!
Contact us..
If you are a school, college or community group and would like a Shallal Sketchbooks workshop.
shallalprojects@gmail.com
Inspired by The Sketchbook Project https://www.sketchbookproject.com/
