The Drawing Studio, which teaches the practical skills in drawing, sculpture and anatomy (essentially all the fundamentals that underlie so much successful design and art), is moving to an exciting new space on Merrion Square. Hands-on experience and practice is put before theory and in the words of the Sam Horler, director of the studio, ‘the opening of eyes is put before the opening of a word document!’
The rigorous and disciplined nature of the studio’s courses provide students with universally applicable skills that aim to make them more effective and confident in whatever creative endeavor they choose to pursue. With the imminent introduction of full-time courses out of their new home, 2015 is poised to be a big year for this emerging artistic resource. We chatted to Sam about what he teaches and what to expect from the new place.
Tell me about the idea behind The Drawing Studio in general, and what you teach there?
The Drawing Studio strives to be an inspirational space solely dedicated to the teaching of useful, practical skills in drawing, sculpture and anatomy, skills that underlie so much successful design and art. Hands-on experience and practice is put before theory, the opening of eyes is put before the opening of a word document!
The rigorous and disciplined courses provide students with universally applicable skills that will help make them more effective and confident in whatever creative endeavour they are in, or are pursuing.
We want people, of all levels, to fully experience and appreciate the revelatory and transformative power of visual engagement with their world through drawing and sculpture.
What is the story with the new premises? Where is it, and when do you make the move?
We’ve secured a premises on Merrion Square which we plan to have ready for the courses starting March 3rd, this year. We are very excited about the space itself, and the proximity to the National Gallery and the Natural History Museum.
Are you adding new courses in the new studio?
On September 21st this year, we’ll be beginning a completely practice-driven full-time drawing course which will also deal with human anatomy and sculpture. We set it up as there has been such a need and demand for an expanded, full-time version of what we are teaching at the Studio.
The course will run from 9am – 5pm, Monday to Wednesday for six months. It will be intensive, highly disciplined, and challenging. Effective seeing, thinking and drawing demands it to be. No essays or computer work will be required. We don’t offer a degree or diploma, but what we do offer is, I believe, far more valuable and in demand; something to show – an impressive body of work and useful set of skills.
Any other plans for the future with The Drawing Studio?
The plan is to keep getting highly skilled, inspiring people involved in teaching what they know, directly and simply. To put on longer courses and to link up with complementary spaces and people here in Ireland and abroad.
For more information, check out drawing.ie
