WORKING BOOKS

Since we were thrust into lockdown and its various subsequent incarnations, one creative hub has helped artists stay motivated with a sketchbook project, writes Nora McElhone

The former Station House at Ladybank train station in Fife has been a busy hub for artistic activity since it opened in 2012. Home to the Off the Rails Arthouse, it has become an important space for classes in art, design and craft, courses, exhibitions and even meetings events. According to Claire Heminsley, Off the Rails Arthouse chairwoman: “We welcome everyone, whether they are young or notso-young, experienced practitioners or beginners, teachers or learners.”

Claire, who is herself an artist, set up her INCAHOOTS brand 30 years ago.

“I work with a broad range of media and have a diverse output,” she explains, “from scraperboard prints to more experimental sculptural and mixed media pieces for exhibition. Regardless of the materials used, my work seems to be a blend of line, layers and gentle humour.

“Although officially I am the chair of Off the Rails Arthouse we really do operate as a team, with everyone contributing their skills and expertise to help make the Arthouse the success it is.”

As the realities of the pandemic have unfolded in the past months she says: “I think we have all gradually realised the enormity of this pandemic and have responded by finding ways to function physically and mentally.

“At the beginning I found it difficult to be motivated to work as my main focus was producing new work for the Pittenweem Arts Festival last August, which was cancelled.

“This led to a time of reflection and I was able to concentrate on a research project that had been bubbling under the surface.

“Funding from Creative Scotland has given me a structure for intense research and new work.”

With this in mind, and the prompt of a reminder on social media, Claire decided to reach out to other artists with a new project.

“I saw a wee video of the sketchbook that I had completed for the Brooklyn Sketchbook project in 2012. This got me thinking about working up a sketchbook project based on their idea... without buying a sketchbook, keeping it free and also having an exhibition at the end.”

At first she was going to send the idea out to her own mailing list but then decided that presenting the project through the Off the Rails Arthouse would make it more accessible.

“We have had the most amazing response,” she enthuses, “obviously we have tapped into a need. The project has been shared to many other organisations and groups.

“Anyone can join in and it is free. I think lots of people will have unused sketchbooks kicking about and filling them can be daunting so having a theme helps to focus the thought process.”

With people from as far afield as Australia, France, Wales and of course Scotland involved, the Off the Rails Sketchbook project has already attracted a lot of attention.

“I didn’t really have any expectations,” she says, “but I’m delighted that we are helping to keep spirits up.”

She feels that the other great thing about a sketchbook is that, “you can work out thoughts and ideas with words or visuals and no one needs to see them. This can be helpful if you haven’t worked in a sketchbook before or are nervous about getting started. I always describe my sketchbooks as ‘working books, not works of art’; however, we hope that some people will share their pages with us through our website and by social media.”

Those who have already signed up have chosen to examine subjects including: Lifeline, Stitch and Fold, Distance and Time, At the End of the Garden and Two Metres.

Claire hopes that the project will culminate in an exhibition of the work people have produced including as many sketchbooks as possible. Like many other people, she has seen these plans moved and redrawn but is happy that people are still engaging with the project and is looking forward to the time when Off the Rails Arthouse can see and share the work that participants have produced.

The Sketchbook Project can be accessed at offtherailsarthouse.com

The project is free to access and is open to anyone, from creative children to professional artists or the complete novice.

SKETCH IT OUT: Inclusivity is at the heart of the project, with everyone from seasoned artists to enthusiastic newbies welcome.