There is “Still Life” at Home

In this eight-week drawing class conducted during the pandemic, Griot Circle members — like everyone else– were confined mainly to their homes, so this sketchbook project used familiar domestic objects as still life subjects. Participants were sent a sketchbook and a set of varied charcoal and graphite pencils. They began their sketches in the kitchen with pots, cups, utensils, and decorative objects, and learned to see geometric and organic objects in space, as well as how to use the different weights and densities of the pencils. They combined line and tone and worked to create depth. They moved on to the bedroom, focusing on drawing coat hangers, followed by creating more complex compositions inspired by house plants. The group was introduced to the work of contemporary African Americans, women, and LBGTQ artists through images and videos. Another highlight of this innovative program included a socially distanced meet-up to sketch together in Prospect Park. In an end-of-program celebration, the group all ate their final food still life.