The Saturday Morning Drawing Club
I was going to entitle this post The Saturday Morning Ladies Drawing Club because we are, in fact, all ladies, or should I say women? I like the term ‘ladies’ because it implies a certain level of deportment that I think is true of our group—they possess gentility and wisdom, kindness and devotion. We met again Saturday, after a three month hiatus, for the first in an eight week session of drawing classes in which I am, nominally, the teacher. We meet at our new arts center which you can see in the photo. It was once an army arsenal and now is dedicated to the arts—visual, musical and theatrical, a higher use of space. It’s a grand place, large and well appointed. The window for our drawing room is on the second floor in the middle. You can see it in the photo—it let’s in a lot of light, good for making art.
It was a joy to see everyone again, of course, and to welcome three new people. I sometimes wonder if I have anything to teach them. They are all so accomplished in their own rights but I’ve done drawings every day of my life since the age of two and made my living by my pen for thirty years. There is something about that experience I can share. Dear A was just saying at dinner that art needs to have mystery, beauty and passionate engagement in it. I’m trying to teach passionate engagement. What people will do will be their own unique thing but may they love it and throw it out with their full force.
So, we begin again. I feel so lucky to have this opportunity and so thrilled to be able to witness the artistic growth of these women and their devotion. One of my students, who a year ago had not made a drawing since childhood, yesterday did one that was masterful and enlivening, full of mystery and beauty. We were drawing stones, that’s all. But, small as they are, they are full of enduring strength, as are the ladies in this Saturday morning drawing club.
October 2nd, 2007 at 6:11 am
My mother-in-law, who turned 85 yesterday, has been a member of a quilt club for many years. She always refers to the ladies rather than the women, and she is quickly corrects anyone who asks about her quilt guild. It is a club–for ladies who love to quilt. I’m so glad you reconnected with your ladies.
October 2nd, 2007 at 6:27 pm
Thanks, Debra. It is fun!
October 3rd, 2007 at 4:43 pm
ah ladies….I always call my students ladies because it makes them smile and it makes me smile and we can all imagine that it is a special term of endearment and behavior. I have had a painting group for about 25 years. Unfortunately it has more or less been meeting without me over the last few years but amazing friendships and bonds have been formed. I am back in the fold now that my schedule once again allows. I was their teacher for about 15 years, then we just all started to meet at each other’s houses, bring our lunches, have tea and paint and giggle. Most of the members are now in their 80’s and we’ve lost a few. I’m the spring chicken of the bunch at 53!
October 3rd, 2007 at 8:37 pm
So cool! It seems most adult students are women. I put it down to child rearing. Women are so ready to come back to themselves, to find themselves and express themselves…it’s great. And they get a lot of wisdom on the way.