Summer School: Alternative Anatomy with Chloe Briggs

We are thrilled to welcome renowned educator, artist and organiser of Drawing is Free, Chloe Briggs, to the Draw studios to teach a unique three-day Summer School, exploring Alternative Anatomies through drawing. This playful and experimental summer school provides an alternative to the academic rigor of anatomical study, encouraging attendees to explore the experience of inhabiting a body through thoughtful and nuanced drawing exercises.  

In the book ‘Leonardo da Vinci: Under the Skin’ Professor of Drawing Stephen Farthing and his Academic Physician brother Professor Michael Farthing describe how da Vinci’s studies of human anatomy were on several occasions on the, ‘edge of the map, needing to reconcile what he saw with what he understood to be true’. At times, his anatomical drawings were a leap of imagination.  We will be using this as a springboard to explore how we respond to drawing the body.   

What to expect 

On day one we will begin with experimental exercises that both draw upon scientific studies and invite subjective, embodied responses.  In the afternoon we will start to work from observation of nature that resembles our internal worlds and find ways to combine them with anatomical drawings.  

On day two participants are invited to bring their own research material to develop what was begun on our first day.  From these studies and open-ended exercises, we will work in a layered and intuitive way, in collaboration with a life-model.  

Day three will be a process of selecting, editing and working into drawings to make an ‘Alternative Anatomy’ artist’s book with Chloe’s support and 1:1 guidance. All of this will culminate in a presentation and celebration of the group’s work at the end of the day. 

Places are limited to 12 students and pre-booking is essential. If you have any questions email us at [email protected] The workshop runs from 10am-5pm on Monday 5th, Tuesday 6th & Wednesday 7th August 2024, with a 1-hour lunch break - you are welcome to bring a packed lunch, or to pop to the nearby Sainsbury’s, or a café on London Road. There will also be extra teabreaks throughout the day.

What you need to bring  

All materials will be provided, although we welcome you to bring along any drawing materials you like to use. You will need to bring in your own research materials on day two – Chloe will explain what you need at the end of day one. Padded & backed chairs, drawing boards and tables are provided for all students.  

Getting to the studio 

You may arrive at 9:45am onwards on Monday. Approach New England House from the New England Street side of the building and walk up to the blue double doors next to the sign for the ‘Building Manager’s Office’. Take the lifts up to the 5th floor, then turn left out of the lift - the studio is on level 5, Unit 1 South, just knock and walk in. There is parking at London Road car park, Elder Place & Trafalgar St car parks; Brighton station is a 5 minute walk from the studio.  

Discounts

The discounted rate is available for anybody on low income, students or Patreon supporters. Sign up to the Draw Patreon from just £3.60 per month to get access to the discount, online life drawing course, live online classes and personal feedback from our tutors. Whether you are a Patreon supporter or not, you can post your drawings on the Draw community Facebook group HERE and you are welcome to tag us with @draw_brighton and #drawbrighton on Instagram.

Safety & accessibility

For the wellbeing of everybody at the class please don’t come to the class if you are ill with contagious symptoms. If you have any accessibility needs, please do let us know beforehand and we will do everything we can to make sure you can enjoy the life classes here. The building has a wheelchair ramp at the North side of the New England Street entrance and lifts up to level 5 with gender-neutral toilets & accessible toilets on floors 4 & 6 accessed by lift. Fixative spraying is not allowed in the studio and is done outside; oil paints will be used at this session and we will be using odourless solvent (no turps) throughout the course - our air purifier and good ventilation help control fumes.

We keep the studio a safe environment by providing:

• Monitored ventilation (aiming for <900ppm CO2)
• Air purification with HEPA filters
• Sick pay for our freelance life models
• If you have covid, flu or bad cold symptoms we ask you not to attend - you will receive a refund as well as our appreciation!

Cancellations

Bookings are non-refundable. If you are unwell with a contagious illness you may not attend the class - you can request a refund here on Eventbrite and we can issue a full refund, minus Eventbrite's fees. If you are unable to attend, please do get in touch with us on [email protected] to discuss the options for giving up your place in exchange for credit at other Draw Brighton courses, or transferring your place to another attendee.

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