Art - Dare to doodle with Kristy Campbell

Dare to Doodle

Art writer Kristy Campbell explores the benefits of doodling, and one artist's take on this mindful creative form

National 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 p compositions of abstract lines, 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 concentrationp g 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

list is much easier to remember than a written one. Or if I need to explain something, drawing it will mean I can explain it much easier than verbally explaining it.” After hearing Jones’ experiences, I asked for her advice on what drawing utensils we should source to start developing our concepts like she has. “I always like a biro, I really like graph paper, as I’m quite methodical, so I have a lot of graph paper notebooks. Always good to have a good stash of coloured pencils and drawing pencils too, the odd bit of watercolour is also lovely!” When she isn’t busy creating deviceful artwork from familiar everyday thoughts and materials, Jones is committed to advancing her artist practice from a very organised drafting ble placed beside a wonderful selection of artist books, arranged by colour. “I’ve really enjoyed producing a series of letters with imals or birds h that accompany them. It has really challenged me to draw things like fur and feathers. Doodling is a great tool for creating new artwork. I often think drawing is a bit like exercise, you have to warm up, and practice to be good. “For me, it’s also a great way to visualise what something will look like! If I have an idea in my head, I have to do a small sketch or version of it to make sure I’ll like it once it’s finished. I also think a bit of mindless doodling creates new compositions or ways of placing things that I can then input into

r to my practice, so in this way is really helpful for creating new work.” Be sure to take a look at the selection of doodles available in the national auction this year, and perhaps explore what can be made of the designs stemming from your own casual mark-making –you might be amazed at how your handiwork can grow!

organ tab a an

National Doodle Day

www.epilepsy.org.uk/doodle -day/what-is-doodle-day

Contacts

Emma Jones @she_quilts @emmajones1991 Kristy Campbell – writer @kristycamp