'ZigZag' comprises three artists - Susan Mathews, Yvonne Voss and June Brown who meet regularly for experimentation and inspiration. We all enjoy the challenge of exploring the possibilities of art and design on fabric.
Together we have formulated three Exhibitions. These have been: Pattern-nation, Three A3s & tripARTite
In 2003 we challenged ourselves to do a drawing each day for the whole year.
Here is the story of this challenge:
The decision was made very enthusiastically to challenge ourselves to do a ‘Drawing for every day of the year 2003’. 365 drawings amount to a lot of time, a lot of paper and a lot of dedication. Each drawing was to be about A5 in size and we all planned to put each month of drawings into a book. We all made the books ourselves. Paper was found, purchased or shared. Some paper was hand made, some was painted, some rusted and some pieces were off cuts from other works. We could use any medium and draw any topic, a detailed drawing or a very simple sketch. The discipline at times was hard to keep with holidays, grandchildren, stitching and teaching to fit into our already hectic lives. If time allowed we would do extra drawings and keep them ‘in the bank’ for an emergency. From time to time each of us fell behind with our commitment and had to allow some dedicated space in our lives for catching up.
Each time we met as group there was much enthusiasm shown over each others drawing efforts. The topics were certainly varied, ranging from birds, seascapes, flowers, buildings, patterns, doodlings and still life. The drawings improved as the months went by, however by the time December came around it was obvious that we had become rather lazy with our newly practiced drawing skills and we were definitely lacking ideas for new topics. We all tried some different mediums and enjoyed trying some new topics. Yvonne’s drawings were wonderfully free in formation; mine had comparatively more detail whereas Susan’s drawings were colourful and dominant on each page.
As a reader I am sure you are wondering whether we completed the commitment to ourselves and to each other. Yes, by the time 2004 came around there were 1095 drawings to see in 36 books!! Yvonne very succinctly said that she had never enjoyed the coming of the New Year so much!!
We learnt a lot about paper, pencils and paint and I am sure the experience will give us more confidence when we need to draw in preparation for making a piece of textile art. I recommend the challenge to you as a person and also to you as a member of a group whether you belong to a quilting group or just enjoy drawing.
When 2006 arrived we decided to draw again - yes each day, one drawing. What fun!!
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