Drawing Conversation is an exploration of ways of opening Art to a wider audience. I have been working on it for a couple of years.
This is an ongoing artist initiated project, presented at Tuam Arts Festival 2011 and at the Phizzfest Phibsboro Arts Festival September 2012 and May 2013, and again at Draiocht for National Drawing Day 2013. I have also carried out this work in the Natural History Museum, and on the street in Dublin. I will be researching this work in more detail during my upcoming residency at Draiocht, Blanchardstown, Dublin.
I take easel, paper and pencil and set myself up in a public place to draw. While I am drawing, I invite passers-by to come over and converse with me. It is a simple, straightforward exercise to bring art out of the private spaces of the studio and the gallery and place it in the public domain both for its making and its receiving.
The location is chosen by instinct, with the guiding principle that the place should be safe for people to stop, and that it should create a good atmosphere for all involved. It should have a good footfall and should have enough space so that my presence does not cause an obstruction. In choosing the place I do not look for any controversy and there is no agenda in the selection.
I engage the attention of passersby using eye-contact, a friendly smile and a simple greeting. The conversation is informal, and I direct the subject matter towards art and imagining. I do not take any photos or videos of the conversations, or of the people involved. After each conversation, I make notes about what was said and any observations I may have.
I feel that the experience of art is enhanced here: for the recipient by the presence of and interaction with the artist; for the artist by the response from the viewer and for both by the ensuing dialogue.