Maybe it was the company. Maybe it was Mondayitis. Maybe it was the late hour. Maybe it was me. Maybe it was them.
Whatever it was I can’t say that I enjoyed my experience at Dr Sketchy’s. I expected more. This is silly of me because expectations are often my downfall. What I’m trying to say is this: I did not enjoy my time at Dr Sketchy’s Anti-Art School.
I do, however, appreciate the idea. What is the idea exactly? Well, in 2005, American life model, burlesque performer and artist Molly Crabapple, decided to launch a life drawing class that defied the rules, allowing people to have a few drinks, enjoy live performances and draw interesting models in interesting costumes. In short, she spiced up the whole ‘life drawing’ scene. Cut to 2008 and Dr Sketchy’s Anti-Art School has spread across the globe, most recently settling in Perth thanks to local organisers Helen New (aka Trixi Tassels) and Melanie Bruyer (aka A’dora Derriere).
So what’s the deal? Basically you rock up to The Brisbane on the first Monday of every month where Dr Sketchy’s takes place, upstairs in the Lazy Susan Comedy Den. Take with you pens and paper or whatever drawing implements you want to use, preferably not paint or anything messy. You can bring drinks upstairs with you and enjoy your vodka while you try to portray the model on stage. Poses last 2, 5, 10 and 20 minutes long. There are prizes too and music to get you in the mood.
People sit on the floor or in chairs. There are no desks to speak of so people use their knees or the ground. One guy had an easel. (I, for one, am not carrying an easel to the pub. No thankyou.) It is a friendly atmosphere, though a bit on the quiet side.
The sketching itself was challenging. It has been a long time since I picked up paper and pencil and it was good to get the creative juices flowing. Over the course of the night, my drawing got progressively better. That part of the night was actually quite fun. But there was something missing. Maybe it was the model on the night. She wasn’t interesting and she didn’t live up to my expectations. Which was disappointing because I so wanted her too. I wanted there to be more costume changes, I wanted there to be lighting changes, I wanted her to not look miserable, I wanted her to shimmy and shake or pull a face and I wanted props, props, props. I wanted different music. I wanted more interaction. I wanted to be dazzled and I wasn’t. I thought some poses were too short and others were way too long. The time, 8pm - 10pm on a Monday, was also a little bit difficult for me, a full time rat racer.
Anyway, I haven't given up on it. I’m thinking about giving it another go. Let me know if you want to come with. See the poster for the next one below.
THRILLS & SPILLS
Level of difficulty: 3/5 Art is subjective.
Co-ordination: 2/5
Fun: 2/5 Choose your drawing partners carefully.
What to wear: Clothing nice enough to get into The Brisbane, not so nice that you wont sit on the floor.
What to bring: Drawing paper, pens, pencils.
Where to go: Lazy Susan Comedy Den upstairs at The Brisbane.
Average cost: $15
Who to contact: www.drsketchyperth.com.au