Tags
artists, Bynum, Chatham County, drawing, illustration, north carolina writers, sketching, writing, writing goals, writing life, writing process

Me having tunnel vision (or squirrel vision) as I sketch a squirrel figurine at Emma Skurnick’s studio.
For the month of January I’ve spent every Thursday afternoon at artist Emma Skurnick’s studio in Bynum, North Carolina. Located just a few doors down from the Bynum Front Porch where I’ve held a few workshops and last year’s writer/artist retreat, Emma holds open studio time throughout the year for artists of multiple disciplines. Since I started drawing last fall, I’ve decided to turn my poem “Tea Time at Loch Ness” into a short illustrated book. I also have a short story idea involving a squirrel that I’d like to illustrate. These are far-off projects I plan to tackle many years from now. Currently I’m enjoying sketching as time for a non-writing and non-reading mental break.

Cute, right? My sketch of “Frances.”
I was unfamiliar with open studio time before my experience in Emma’s studio. With no instructional time or supplies provided, everyone brings their own materials and projects and works. It’s basically like a write-in, except an experienced individual (Emma) looks over your shoulder a few times at each session, gives a few short words of encouragement, and answers questions about technique and direction. She’ll run and grab a book to illustrate an example, or tear off some scrap paper to show variations. I’ve learned so much without formal lessons!
The other nice thing about open studio time, other than having dedicated time set aside to focus on one task, is that you’re surrounded by other creatives. Some artists draw, others have water color palettes, some have oils – it’s refreshing exposure to skilled craftspeople, art-related vocabulary, and materials. I truly feel an amateur with my self-taught ways and limited art vernacular!
It’s tough for me and most folks to make a weekly daytime commitment for a creative endeavor. Since it’s winter, I’ve taken advantage of freelance life and my morning-person-mentality and have been working from 6AM-10AM or 6AM-12PM most days with afternoons slated for meetings and loose ends. It’s working for me well right now, but I expect my freelance routines will change again with the seasons.
I love the idea of open studio time, and I admire your discipline in making this happen for yourself. This kind of open time together is something I have known quilters to do on a regular basis. I also love the idea of a write-in, hoping I can find an event like that to take part in.
Yes, I’ve seen quilting circles at coffee shops! One of Triangle Writers’ members is planning a write-in in Raleigh some time in late February or early March. I will likely have one in Pittsboro at some point this year. 3/25 I’m hosting a prompt day–scoop in the next newsletter this week.
How I wish I had sketching skills. I used to work with fab illustrators when I taught in my 20’s at the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC. I was with some tweens the other day at a friend’s kids birthday party. I told the girls I was a writer.
They were so excited but of course wished I wrote for kids! You’re gonna do that.
Bravo…Mary Kennedy Eastham website: http://www.rp-author.com/MKE
I love this idea! Thinking maybe I could host an “open studio” here at my house for writers! What fun!! Great way to give back to the community that supports us!
I thought of doing the same! I wanted to set up a hay-bale stage (in the RV port) for an open mic area. 🙂
Pingback: 2017 Art and Writing Retreat | Write Naked
Pingback: Art and Medicine: Doctors Learn Through Drawing | Write Naked