Prelims

Half Title Page

DRAWING

Series Page

ARTS FOR HEALTH

Series Editor: Paul Crawford, Professor of Health Humanities, University of Nottingham, UK

The Arts for Health series offers a ground-breaking set of books that guide the general public, carers and healthcare providers on how different arts can help people to stay healthy or improve their health and wellbeing.

Bringing together new information and resources underpinning the health humanities (that link health and social care disciplines with the arts and humanities), the books demonstrate the ways in which the arts offer people worldwide a kind of shadow health service – a non-clinical way to maintain or improve our health and wellbeing. The books are aimed at general readers along with interested arts practitioners seeking to explore the health benefits of their work, health and social care providers and clinicians wishing to learn about the application of the arts for health, educators in arts, health and social care and organisations, carers and individuals engaged in public health or generating healthier environments. These easy-to-read, engaging short books help readers to understand the evidence about the value of arts for health and offer guidelines, case studies and resources to make use of these non-clinical routes to a better life.

Other titles in the series:

Endorsement Page

PRAISE FOR DRAWING

‘This immensely practical and readable book is a significant contribution to thinking about how drawing can be used for a variety of practical purposes, and also emphasises the extent to which drawing can be a positive agent for wellbeing. It is underpinned by sound scholarship, but wears its erudition lightly, so we as readers will learn not only how to use drawing as a creative process but can also gain confidence in drawing ourselves.’

Sally Brown, Independent consultant and Emerita professor of Leeds Beckett University

‘This inspiring book is a gift to readers who thought they had left the pleasure of drawing behind in childhood. Packed with examples and ideas, it demonstrates and encourages the potential for cognition and wellbeing that is unlocked simply by picking up a pencil. Educators and professionals of all kinds will find numerous resources within its pages for creatively enriching their work with students and clients.’

Professor Charlotte Sleigh, Department of Science and Technology Studies, UCL, and author of The Paper Zoo: 500 Years of Animals in Art (British Library, 2016)

‘As a self-professed “person who can’t draw” this book was very liberating - showing the deep connection as humans we have to drawing, and that we draw for many reasons and in different ways during our lifetimes. Drawing can help convey often complex ideas and emotions in a more meaningful way than plain text. Curie highlights how we can use drawing in our personal and professional lives, and I would recommend it to health and social care professionals and students in training as well as anyone with an interest in rekindling or developing their interest in drawing. I commend Curie for writing (and drawing!) such an accessible book that can be read sequentially or dipping into chapters of interest depending on your mood.’

Professor Inam Haq, Associate Dean Education, faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Australia

‘Drawing is a primal form of communication and key to developing skills of observation, investigation and analysis. As such it is an invaluable tool in health care settings where non-verbal interaction is important in reassuring and informing patients and carers. A simple drawing can reinforce or expand information and be a tangible record that can be reviewed and discussed with a wide audience. As a teaching tool drawing is invaluable and continues to be used with students and experienced medical practitioners in discussions for planning, teaching and learning. This book gives examples of skills that can be used and developed by novice and experienced ‘sketch makers’. By expanding drawing methods to include different senses and methodologies the author is able to engender a spirit of freedom to explore and personalise mark making and drawing for different purposes both at an individual level and in collaboration with others. Her experiences as a medical practitioner, teacher and artist give her a valuable insight into the practical application and many uses and purposes of drawing.’

Jenny Wright PhD, Independent artist researcher

‘Curie Scott offers readers an engaging and well-crafted account of the significance of drawing in practice. As a researcher who incorporates visual, creative, and participatory modes in their own work, I have developed a deep appreciation of the value of drawing to engender reflexivity, organise thinking, and generate different ways of seeing and representing everyday worlds. This book is important as it brings together different histories, traditions and methods which foreground the usefulness of drawing. As well as setting out a comprehensive background to mark-making, the book recognises the power of drawing for fostering well-being, health, relationality, and self-knowledge. The author has a vast experience of working sensitively with creative methods and this is showcased in the book through personal examples and supporting illustrations. The book is a must read for anyone interested in using creative methods in their work, and I will be returning to it frequently in my own mark-making journeys.’

Dr Dawn Mannay, School of Social Sciences, Cardiff University

‘I am just so thrilled that Curie has written this lovely book. She shows us how and why we all need to be reintroduced to the joy of drawing - surely the first and most universal of arts. Its therapeutic, soothing qualities and ready ability to make and record meaning make drawing more important than just mark making. It prolongs our focus and gives us time to reflect more deeply on the small beauties around us.’

Dr. Jonathan Barnes, Visiting Senior Research Fellow, Canterbury Christ Church University, National Teaching Fellow 2015

‘A beautifully written, informative and accessible guide into the value of drawing for health and wellbeing. It takes the reader on an explorative journey into drawing beyond an art form as an everyday human activity, capacity and capability, that helps to re- awaken drawing practices in all of us to gain deeper insights. To make sense of who we are, our emotions and experiences, the world around us and imagine and invent. It is a treasure trove of ideas for health professionals, educators and all those interested in drawing practices for wellbeing, learning and development.’

Dr Chrissi Nerantzi, Principal Lecturer in Academic CPD, University Teaching Academy, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK

‘Alongside writing, reading and arithmetic, drawing is the fourth skill that we each need to prosper in our life and health. Drawing comes before writing: it is an innate act of personal expression and non-verbal communication. Yet, we soon lose touch with our ability to draw, it is being squeezed out of the curriculum, displaced by the monitor and mouse, and as adults we quickly lose the connection between eye, hand, and the graphic mark.’

Professor Paul Gough, Principal and Vice Chancellor

‘Built on her experience as a doctor, using drawing to communicate and explain medical conditions to patients, Curie Scott takes the power that research into wellbeing attributes to drawing and gives it back to us. This book is the key and has everything we need to bring drawing to life.

Workshops led by Curie Scott changed my perception of drawing as a way of exploring and communicating. As adults we talk about mindfulness to get back to complete absorption. With this book, we realise that to ‘put away childish things’ such as drawing is not actually such a good plan. Curie Scott gives us the tools to emulate children who depict, dream, discover and develop ideas in drawing.

I so look forward to having this book on my shelf as a resource for doing drawing exercises myself and with people I teach. This book supports my workshop practice to use drawing as a direct tool for deep thinking.

If we have read this book without making a mark, only thinking about drawing, that is not enough. The real adventure will be to meet Curie Scott’s wish that we have done some drawing. We can start by honouring our instinct to doodle.’

Livia Sevier, Raga singer and voice coach, founder of Strong Voice

‘A renaissance in drawing has been quietly underway in many corners of academia. Dr. Currie Scott’s delightful and informative book, DRAWING, rounds-up these developments. Scholars new to the topic, curious citizens, and creative health-care providers will all benefit from the resources, gentle instructions, and inspiration on these pages. Even hesitant drawers will be coaxed to give drawing a try, whether for learning, expressing, healing, organizing, conceptualizing or connecting with others. This little book reminded me of childhood, when I drew two-dimensional worlds with confidence and abandon.’

Dr. Jenna Hartel, Associate Professor, Faculty of Information, University of Toronto

‘I am not a health professional – but my wife and many other family members are…

I am the “I can’t draw” writer in a family of visual artists and musicians.

I am a poet, part of the creative community who laments false dichotomies between arts and sciences, feelings and reason.

I am someone who has stood in Curie Scott’s studio and been utterly captivated by the range of her creativity.

I have shared animated discussions with Curie about the place of drawing in other disciplines.

For all these reasons I found Curie’s book “Drawing” fascinating, informative, authoritative in the extreme, very readable and highly engaging.

Curie Scott is a polymath in the fullest sense of that word. She embodies an integrated, thoughtful approach to life. She bridges the scientific and creative communities through her qualifications, her experience and her many talents.’

Paul Canon Harris, Writer, broadcaster, priest

‘In ‘Drawing’, Dr Curie Scott provides expert insight into the many possible benefits of drawing for children. With children’s mental health at the forefront of every educator’s mind, this book proves to be an incredibly valuable and timely resource for everyone working with children from Class Teachers to Teaching Assistants and anyone conducting a therapeutic intervention. This book contains many drawing activities that when used, will enable children to express themselves in a creative and empowering way.

As an independent drawing consultant, coach and artist with a background in medicine, science, education and the arts, Dr Scott is uniquely positioned to offer expert guidance on how drawing can be used to transform the mental health of our young people.’

Mr Tom Hardwick, Executive Headteacher of Sundridge & Brasted and Kemsing Primary Schools

‘Thank you! Finally, someone has provided the evidence-based argument for drawing for well-being that we so badly need – and in a delightful, practical and digestible form. Curie’s book is perfect in length, structure and content. Only she could write this book - as an artist, a medical doctor and a Doctor of Philosophy with a Drawing PhD, the depth and breadth of her knowledge and practical advice are unique and invaluable. I hope it quickly becomes the go-to book for arts and health practitioners.’

Dr Angela Clare Brew, Director, Brew International Drawing School, Founder / Co-director, Thinking through Drawing

‘Drawing: Arts for Health, by Dr Curie Scott, offers readers a thorough overview of the significance of drawing for communication, wellbeing and mental health. The book provides numerous examples, supported by research evidence, of how thinking through drawing can help us to clarify complex concepts, express feelings and share experiences. Written by a highly qualified drawing consultant, Dr Scott provides us with unique insights that stem from a wealth of expertise from her background in the fields of medicine, science and education. Her book is highly recommended for anyone who wants to engage in drawing to enrich their personal wellbeing and professional lives.’

Susan Wright, PhD, Honorary Professor, The University of Melbourne, Australia

‘This book is a must read, it is thought provoking and compelling. It breaks down preconceived ideas about drawing forcing us to reconsider who it’s for and how it can benefit both individuals and organisations. As a long time HR Director I’m only too well aware that we live in an era where stress, anxiety and depression has become the number one reason for workplace ill health cases. Curie sets out the positive mental health benefits of drawing and provides practical ways to engage with drawing for the novice like me! I would encourage all those interested in health and wellbeing in the workplace to read, consider and take action.’

William Hague, HR Director (FCIPD)

‘I’m delighted to endorse this book. It makes important research from Curie’s drawing PhD, which I supervised, available for the first time. Drawing is an essential companion book for both health and care professionals and the drawing-curious in general. Curie’s encouraging, facilitative voice shows us what drawing can offer to health and wellbeing, using relevant case studies and confidence-building practical strategies and tips, underpinned by research-based evidence. This is a long-overdue and extremely valuable book-length exploration of drawing.’

Dr Philippa Lyon, Senior Lecturer, University of Brighton

‘Curie’s book is a brilliant overview of the potential of drawing as an educational tool to support learning. It details drawing practices and exercises that Curie has developed in her extensive work with health practitioners and university colleagues over the years. It is a very useful text for teachers who want to enhance children’s thinking and literacies through multimodal approaches.’

Dr Kate Smith, Senior Lecturer Childhood and Early Childhood Studies, Canterbury Christ Church University

Title Page

DRAWING

DR CURIE SCOTT

United Kingdom – North America – Japan – India – Malaysia – China

Copyright Page

Emerald Publishing Limited

Howard House, Wagon Lane, Bingley BD16 1WA, UK

First edition 2021

Copyright © 2021 Curie Scott.

Published under an exclusive license by Emerald Publishing Limited.

Reprints and permissions service

Contact: permissions@emeraldinsight.com

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without either the prior written permission of the publisher or a licence permitting restricted copying issued in the UK by The Copyright Licensing Agency and in the USA by The Copyright Clearance Center. No responsibility is accepted for the accuracy of information contained in the text, illustrations or advertisements. The opinions expressed in these chapters are not necessarily those of the Author or the publisher.

British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data

A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library

ISBN: 978-1-83867-328-4 (Print)

ISBN: 978-1-83867-325-3 (Online)

ISBN: 978-1-83867-327-7 (Epub)

Contents

List of Figures

Preface

As a child I doodled and enjoyed copying images but stopped drawing at the age of 12. I enjoyed art and design at school but could not combine those subjects with science subjects, so I had to choose between them. I was urged to pursue science subjects due to better job prospects. This ‘wisdom’ was valid in that it provided economic dividends. But later in life the arts would bring wonder and meaning. During training as a medical doctor and in pharmacology, I drew regularly (anatomy, diagrams, mind maps, etc.) but didn’t appreciate this aspect of my learning. At that time, ‘drawing’ meant being able to copy something well enough to be praised for it or to enhance revision! As a practicing doctor I found that drawing improved communication. For example, patients and relatives were more comfortable with a sketched route to navigate the hospital than remembering verbal instructions. I drew and talked to explain illnesses and treatments to patients, which reduced their anxiety, and gave them something to share with family and friends. Where there was a language barrier, I could draw to communicate with patients.

I then moved into a career in academia as a lecturer teaching adults training to be healthcare professionals. I used drawing as a way to explain scientific concepts to students. Over the years, students reported my drawing was useful. Some told me they had dyslexia and that having something explained visually helped them learn. Intrigued, I went on to higher level study, as a specialist researcher in drawing for learning. Firstly, on how lecturers use visual images in education, then more specifically on drawing for my PhD. By this time, I had also returned to painting as a hobby, taking a life drawing class and even selling some paintings.

For my doctoral thesis I designed a Drawing Program of four drawing workshops. I invited health professional students and local people over 60 to use drawing to explore their perceptions of self-ageing (their own future ageing) (Scott, 2018). It was a powerful unlocking process for them, helping them think through their fears about getting older, what beliefs and stereotypes they held that could be challenge and how they might entertain new possibilities for their lives.

I moved academic discipline from health to education, taking a role in a forward-thinking Education team who promoted excellence by embedding research-based evidence on teaching and learning into university practice. My particular expertise was in creative methods for teaching and learning, particularly drawing. I ran workshops for staff and integrated the various uses of drawing into a teaching qualification for new lecturers or facilitators, including health practitioners and health educators.

As a freelance visual facilitator, I promote drawing and other creative practices as an intellectual process for knowing about our inner and outer worlds. I work in the intersection between arts and health and wellbeing, run drawing workshops, and am a speaker and writer on drawing. I enjoy collaborating with established drawing researchers and practitioners and encourage new ones. I also use drawing in my work as a coach. Most importantly, perhaps, I now commit more of my time to my own artistic practice.

Acknowledgements

Many people were involved in bringing this book into being. My students were the first to tell me they found drawings helpful. This led me to delve further in how visuals were used in post-compulsory education. Interviewing Oliver West on his visual multithinking tool, ‘Footnotes’ got me hooked on the profound difference drawing can make.

I’m grateful for my PhD scholarship focussed on drawing at The University of Brighton and the support of supervisors’ Dr Philippa Lyon, and Professors Ann Moore and Inam Haq. The enthusiasm from those who participated in my research reinforced the value of drawing. I’m continually inspired by champions of creative approaches in Education and Research who teach, research and write on the topic. Among others, these include Professors Debbie Holley, Alison James, Associate Professor Kirsten Hardy, and Professors Sally Brown and Phil Race.

Professor Paul Crawford initiated this series of books (among many others) and thanks to Paula Kennedy from Emerald Publishing for deftly ‘midwifing’ this book. I’ve enjoyed talking with people (too many to mention!) from various drawing networks led by Angie Brew, Kate Mason, Deborah Harty and Philippa Lyon. I’m indebted to Amy Page, Jonathan Barnes and Elizabeth Weeks for their scrutiny and suggestions of initial chapter drafts. Thanks to those who gave permission for me to use their drawings.

Finally, the biggest thanks go to family and my husband, Dr Chris Scott. Chris photographed many of the drawings that appear here. His love for all things random and his steadfast encouragement of my fascination with drawing have steered us into several adventures.

Foreword: Creative Public Health

The ‘Arts for Health’ series aims to provide key information on how different arts and humanities practices can support, or even transform, health and wellbeing. Each book introduces a particular creative activity or resource and outlines its place and value in society, the evidence for its use in advancing health and wellbeing, and cases of how this works. In addition, each book provides useful links and suggestions to readers for following-up on these quick reads. We can think of this series as a kind of shadow health service—encouraging the use of the arts and humanities alongside all the other resources on offer to keep us fit and well.

Creative practices in the arts and humanities offer a fantastic, non-medical, but medically relevant way to improve the health and wellbeing of individuals, families and communities. Intuitively, we know just how important creative activities are in maintaining or recovering our best possible lives. For example, imagine that we woke up tomorrow to find that all music, books or films had to be destroyed, learn that singing, dancing or theatre had been outlawed or that galleries, museums and theatres had to close permanently; or, indeed, that every street had posters warning citizens of severe punishment for taking photographs, drawing or writing. How would we feel? What would happen to our bodies and minds? How would we survive? Unfortunately, we have seen this kind of removal of creative activities from human society before and today many people remain terribly restricted in artistic expression and consumption.

I hope that this series adds a practical resource to the public. I hope people buy these little books as gifts for family and friends, or for hard-pressed healthcare professionals, to encourage them to revisit or to consider a creative path to living well. I hope that creative public health makes for a brighter future.

Professor Paul Crawford