‘DRAWING IN: THE ART OF MANIFESTATION & FANTASY’
‘Drawing In: The Art of Manifestation and Fantasy’ is an exhibition of drawn stories by artist Ruby Bateman, spanning from allegorical feminist fiction (inspired by Norse Mythology on an artist residency in Iceland) and the narratives Bateman hopes to draw into being. Revealing these works and themes during the autumn season was a pertinent choice for Bateman and Season Art Director Emmie Hubbard. Over cups of tea and discussions on yinyang energetics, classicism and transformative drawing, they both found a common bond in grounding art in nature. Through this understanding, this exhibition aims to align with the introspective power of November; a fertile time to draw the energy inward, shed what is in excess and root-in dreams and fantasies.
‘As an artist, I have experienced the practical and mystical power of mark making. Putting pencil to paper can be an act of manifestation and intention setting, comparable to the way the oral word commits a vow, casts a spell, or tells a story.
In times of longing I have turned to drawing and art making to call in certain dreams, people and experiences into my life. The consequences have astounded me; sometimes with immediate effect. Through this kind of intentional drawing, I have come to understand and revere how transcendent art is as a language, foregoing the impossibility of the written word and connecting to something deeper, perhaps even shamanic.’
‘Holistic drawing with ruby’ exhibition workshop
Set within the ‘Drawing In’ exhibition at Season Gallery, participants enjoyed an afternoon of reflective mark making inspired by their inner dialogue and aspirations. Led by exhibition artist, Ruby Bateman, the session explored a style of drawing which isn’t about copying what is in front of you.
‘Drawing all too often gets caught up with making something that looks ‘good’ rather than being an empowering tool for self realisation and expression. Drawing should ultimately reconnect you to a discussion with yourself; what you are processing at the moment, what you want to focus on and even, what do you want to call into your life.’
The workshop was in partnership with Damian Allegretti, from MONON Wellness, who led participants in a gentle Qigong (Chinese meditative movement) warm-up, to inspire the mind and body for creativity.
