DRAW is a two-stage online event that explores how observational drawing of our immediate environment can generate greater awareness of place. It also explores how observational drawing may also have wellbeing benefits from those who engage in this creative practice. In short, we will explore the simple act of drawing the view from a residential window every day, by undertaking repeated drawing exercises and then sharing what we notice, what we produce, and how we feel about drawing in this way.
In the first one hour session; architecture and landscape academic Nicole Porter will present her observational drawing project ‘artist-in-residence: drawing during lockdown’. This presentation will show an ordinary UK suburban landscape in extraordinary times: While working from home (Nottingham) between March – October 2020, Nicole paused each day to draw the view from the first-floor window of her terrace house, which overlooks the shared garden of a council-owned estate for older persons. The resulting drawings are a meditation on place, awareness, nature and community. Over 180 drawings reveal the changing weather and seasons as trees burst into leaf, birds come and go, shadows cross the red brick walls, and rain trickles down the window pane. We share in the lives of neighbours who sit on garden benches, walk their dogs, and enjoy a socially distanced drink in the sun. Nicole will discuss the process of drawing and identify key themes of design (windows, gardens, streetscapes), social interaction and isolation, the importance of nature, and taking the time to mindfully notice and appreciate them all.
At the end of this session, attendees will be invited to engage in their own drawing exercise, by making a drawing (one or more) from a window of their choice every day between the two events and then submit these to the event organisers.
BIO:
Dr Nicole Porter PhD PGCHE MARCH BPD FHEA is an Associate Professor of Architecture and Landscape at the University of Nottingham, UK. Her work focuses on the many values that humans associate with nature – ecological, philosophical, psychological, symbolic, spiritual, and economic – and interprets how these values are embodied in contemporary landscape design and policy. Current research interests include cross-cultural comparisons of biophilic design, national park design, integrating mindfulness and place-making for wellbeing and staring out the window at dog walkers, birds and the weather.
Ayesha Batool (Moderator) is a registered architect in Pakistan and currently pursuing a PhD on Window View Preferences at the University of Nottingham, UK.