Anyone can draw …

So said John Phillips, when I took his wonderful, innovative course at the London Print Studio, also featuring master printer-artist Darren van der Merwe and artist Liorah Tchiprout. And somehow, once I silenced my ‘internal policeman’ and just surrendered myself to the materials, something happened – I could draw. I could express myself in graphite, at least.

The third and final session started badly. A clichéd transport hell + monsoon morning meant I was very late, very annoyed and very flustered. On arrival, I peeled off my jacket and John told me what to do – sketch an articulated mannequin lit with a lamp behind gauze. Quickly, without ‘thinking’. 15 seconds NEXT 20 seconds NEXT 30 seconds NEXT one minute. I was completely lost in the moment, and my irritations completely evaporated. I absolutely loved it, and my drawings worked (mostly). And what's more remarkable? John said I had the makings of a cartoonist.

After this course, I decided to be a member of the LPS, one of the best decisions I could have made. Every visit was a learning experience and I met some truly amazing artists, who remain friends and inspirations. The studio’s closure was heartbreaking, but I intend to hold on to John’s parting message: ‘keep the spirit alive’.

For more on LPS and what we have lost: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/comment/london-print-studio