ART
Dare to Doodle Art writer Kristy Campbell explores the benefits of doodling, and one artist's take on this mindful creative form
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ational Doodle Day is celebrated annually in September, where artists come together to doodle and raise funds to support individuals living with epilepsy, through an online auction. Doodles are known to be simple compositions of abstract lines, p
shapes, sometimes outlining characters or words. They often come about casually while a person is busying themselves with another task. It has been noted that doodling can be a tremendously valuable tool for recalling hazy memories, problem solving, g helping p g concentration and
relieving stress. It is a fantastically accessible way of capturing and communicating ideas for all ages. I caught up with accomplished local artist and maker, Emma Jones (whose work is shown here) to discuss her creative journey and the role of doodling within her work. Jones is a master’s graduate of Museums, Galleries and Contemporary Culture from the University of Westminster, currently pursuing an essential post in arts education. In our interview she guides us through her early experiences with drawing, how these have informed the meticulousness of her striking sketches, and reflects on some of her proudest achievements with this modest yet specialised art. “From a very young age I remember wanting to draw and make. I would ask for things like Sellotape and paper for Christmas instead of toys, and I remember often staying in to draw while my siblings went out to play. I would doodle on everything, in most of my English classes in High School I would spend time drawing the backs of people’s heads (my very own life drawing class).” Like Jones, many of us have doodled while taking a phone call, or tried our hand at realising a crafty vision. She tells us more about the innovative ways doodling features in her everyday. “Quite a lot of the time I will draw words out in my notebook, as it helps me to retain the information better. I often find a drawn shopping 51
