“I credit drawing with helping me to heal from mental health challenges and an opportunity to express my thoughts and feelings in a way that I often can't in words.”
#TheJoyOfSketch
Public Health Researcher for a University by day - Sketchy Bitch by night! We had the joy of meeting Sharon Manship at our Sketchy Bitches workshop in Margate back in October. We caught up and asked her a few questions…
So, tell us a little bit about your creative journey and background:
I had not picked up a pencil since GCSE Art, when I had a teacher who favoured a couple of my very talented classmates, and unfortunately made the rest of us feel like we were rubbish! Then in my mid-20s, I returned from a gap year travelling and had very little money, so decided to write and illustrate some personalised children's books as birthday gifts for the children of friends, and it reignited my passion. Now it is unusual for me not to draw; I can't get enough of it!
What drew you to our event and what did you get out of it?
I have long wanted to attend a London event but I live in Kent so it's a bit of a hike/expense to get into the city...so when I saw an event scheduled in Margate, despite it being an hour's drive away I jumped at the chance. It was a really lovely, relaxed and fun evening with like-minded, creative company. I do put myself under a bit of pressure to do well, especially in front of others whose talent I admire, but I soon loosened up and just enjoyed the process..
How would you describe the experience to others?
Fun, relaxed and no pressure with some fabulous, friendly and talented ladies, and as a bonus I picked up some great drawing tips.
Did it inspire you to draw more, or go to any other creative workshops?
It has definitely inspired me and given me the confidence to draw more portraits...I have now set a weekly portrait challenge for myself for 2020! I would definitely like to go to other similar events.
How does drawing make you feel, and has it played any part in improving your mental health?
Calm, in the moment/in the flow, and happy. I credit drawing with helping me to heal from mental health challenges and an opportunity to express my thoughts and feelings is a way that I often can't in words (I recently opened up in an Instagram post about this and was amazed and humbled to receive many messages/comments of support and resonance)
Favourite materials to draw with?
I have always drawn with fineliners and have a trusty pack of Staedtler ones with different size nibs. I also love Copic Ciao markers - they are expensive so I only have a few, but one day I hope to have all the colours as they give such a professional and good quality finish
Any cool artists or illustrators we should check out on Insta:
Camille Walala (@camillewalala), Dating is Hard (@dating.is.hard), Gemma Correll (@gemmacorrell), Full of Freckles (@full_of_freckles_illustrations), Wendy Daws (@wendy_daws)
Any other cool creative workshops or events you’d recommend?
I really enjoyed a Dr Sketchy's event I went to a few years ago (think burlesque/cabaret/life drawing), but unfortunately the franchise in my area closed so there are none nearby currently
Books you’d recommend people wanting to get creative and draw more in 2020:
I picked up 'Cool Art' by Simon Armstrong a couple of years ago in an art gallery shop. It's aimed at kids, but I found it quite educational! It's all about the history of art and goes through all the genres over the years. A very simplistic format that kept my interested to the end (I'm not sure what that says about my mental age!).
All I want for Christmas is… My two front teeth? Oh no, I have them. In that case, all the Copic Ciao markers! And good health for me and my family. And world peace.
Favourite Christmas song: All I Want For Christmas Is You, Mariah Carey
Check out Sharon’s draws @artmanship
Sharon recommends…
Cool Art by Simon Armstrong