–There were 9 participants in the workshop. The film footage was observed and reflected upon. Stills were taken.

-Most were unsure how to even begin and so I began with the mark making. 

-There was anxiety over not being able to ‘draw well’ this soon disappeared when they realised there was no right or wrong and we were able to redefine drawing as mark making/expression. 

-To begin with, each participant stayed within their own defined area, not spreading out or interacting with            anyone else’s drawing. 

-There was enthusiasm over the use of different colour. 

-I facilitated the flow of the workshop by walking my lines all over the table and eventually the excitement    picked and we ended up un rolling the paper two times.

-During conversation participants also wrote down thoughts on the paper. 

-I was surprised at how hesitant the artists were in playing with pencil and paper.

-Towards the end of the session, One participant suggested bringing other tools (scissors and sellotape ) into play from the studio. This was met with gleeful approval. 

-Scissors were used to cut the collective drawing and suggestions were made as to what the pieces could be used in eg collage, stitching together, each participant keep a piece that didn’t have their drawing on.    Movement around the table was polite and visibly enjoyable.

Participants were obviously more relaxed, confident and vocal towards the end of the session.

Transcripts of conversations.  

I can’t believe I haven’t drawn for years. I can’t even remember when I last did.

I have a drawing practice but it’s not regular and I only do observational drawing. This is fun and doesn’t need the same mind set. 

My children do this but I’ve never thought to join in. It doesn’t seem like work or serious so I think it’s just childish. I love it.

It’s letting me let go.

I’ve actually slowed down.

It brought back childhood joy. That can’t be bad.

This is actually relaxing. We should all start like this every morning. 

What happened to drawing in Art Schools? Why haven’t I asked this question before?

Art schools have been colonised by digital technology and they’ve pushed the poor pencil paper out. Having said that I couldn’t live without my phone or computer. They have benefits.

Interesting, not being able to do without technology… does that make us less human? Hahaha  

They say its more sustainable not to cut down trees for paper and so there is less waste. I don’t believe that. The rainforests are still attacked and trees grown for palm oil for cheap food. That impacts the environment far more. People in power always have answers for what they want to do. 

Look at the deaths The Congo, all for technology. Surely that’s not sustainable. We think of everything as consumers. There are cultures, I think Japan, where Paper is considered sacred and so treated as such. 

I feel more in touch with myself.

We still waste paper through junk mail. Perhaps we should start making our own paper. We could even do that as a workshop.