I Can’t Draw

Reflections on drawing and the role of uncertainty and loss as deliberate methodologies to foster creative thinking skills.

Authors

  • Joanna Majchrowska University of South Australia
  • Ron Corso University of South Australia

Keywords:

Drawing, Loss, Uncertainty, Ambiguity, Creativity

Abstract

In examining the relationship between drawing as mark making and creative thinking, ‘I can’t draw’ is often cited by students in the Foundation Studies drawing classes we conduct at the University of South Australia. This is perceived as a lack of confidence in undertaking what is seen as a talent activity, the domain of only a privileged few. The same is often said for creativity, thus creating a challenge for academics in how they can assist students to overcome their lack of ability. In building a creative dimension into the drawing experience of students, this lack of confidence and uncertainty reflects a narrow view of drawing as a skill in realistic representation, rather than as a process of thinking and idea generation that utilises speculative exploratory processes that rely on uncertainty and what can be described as a lost state.

Author Biographies

Joanna Majchrowska, University of South Australia

Joanna Majchrowska, lecturer at the University of South Australia Design Education, Visual Arts has taught drawing and basic design for over 25 years. She currently coordinates drawing programs in the university and is involved in initiatives dealing with collaborative cross disciplinary practice in the field of design.

 She has conducted research involving her practice having exhibited in numerous solo and group exhibitions.

Ron Corso, University of South Australia

Ron Corso, lecturer at the University of South Australia has had an involvement in Design Education for over thirty years. He has conducted research into the teaching of creativity, publishing and presenting at numerous conferences, seminars and colloquiums nationally and internationally. Current work is focused on research and practice developing models and strategies for building a collaborative creative dimension across all sectors and disciplines of education.

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Published

2022-04-21

How to Cite

Majchrowska, J., & Corso, R. (2022). I Can’t Draw: Reflections on drawing and the role of uncertainty and loss as deliberate methodologies to foster creative thinking skills. TRACEY - Drawing and Visualisation Research, 16(1). Retrieved from https://ojs.lboro.ac.uk/index.php/TRACEY/article/view/341