Shall we begin? The Big Draw.

If I’m totally honest I am rubbish at drawing, well at least I cannot draw how I would like to. I do however love mark making of all styles , finding it an enviable and truly creative endeavor. Being behind the bar for my first shift therefore was the perfect place to soak up the atmos and marvel (with a sizable tinge of the green eyed monster) at all the wonderful things going on around me.

There were 3 main events that evening along with some talented crafters dotted intermittently around the room working on personal projects and of course the obligatory local ale ‘market research’ happening at the bar.

Illustrator Gemma Gollard was manning the first table bringing a personal childhood favorite of mine, shrinky dinks to a whole new level. Her online portfolio is a must for anyone loving drawing of some very cute critters and beautiful fantasy scenery.

Performance artist and associate artist at Firstsite Mandy Roberts headed table two, my son holds some very fond memories of a workshop she held a few months ago where we made a 6ft cardboard raft boat that he still sulks about not being able to take home. The bold bags that were decorated on the night with some amazing portrait illustrations show the diversity and breadth of her creative knowledge.

The third host Rob Lock brought The Sumi Ink club to a vast expanse of wall opposite the bar, creating by the end of the night a graphic yet flowing mural encompassing the ethos of community making to perfection.

The evening as a whole really embodied the idea of drawing as a method for communication, a way to document and explore our community, culture and surroundings in all its splendid diversity.

Next weeks Maker Wednesday is a corker, Alex Davis had one of her many moments of divine inspiration and is going to get everyone making Guy’s for the bonfire! I’m genuinely horrified I have to work that night (I had a plan and everything) but am looking forward to lots of pictures of some creative effigies ready to burn!