Published by The Provocation Collection
https://www.theprovocationcollection.com/provocations/sticky-note-sketches
Description via The Provocation Collection:
I first tasked my friends to each draw a horse on an individual 3 x 3 inch sticky note. Eyes closed, we stuck our sketches to the closet door in no particular order. Then as a group we observed the collection. Some insights were immediate and some appeared the longer we stared. All horses but one were drawn facing left. All were full-bodied except one, a horse head. Curiosity around the collective imaginary of the horse generated discussion.
I prompted this exercise again in a different context with more people when I attended Cornell University’s Image Text Workshop as an artist-in-residence in 2023. This time I invited people to draw a bridge. A wide range of interpretations appeared. Simple curved lines. Triangular bridges. Bricked bridges. Bridges across bodies of water. I found myself drawn to grouping types and finding order within the larger collection.
The simple sticky note is ideal as material because it is accessible, uniform, and portable. Its disposable, everyday use also invites quick bursts of creativity without intimidation.
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Observe and discuss connections and associations in a themed collection of images.
Invitation
- With a group of people, think of a subject matter. You can propose a subject to the group or decide on one together. Start this exercise with something tangible and simple rather than abstract. Some examples: a container, a meal for two, a fire, shelter, hair.
- Individually, without consulting with one another’s thoughts or ideas, draw your interpretation of the subject on your single sticky note. If possible, everyone should use the same type of pen or pencil to maintain uniformity across material.
- Once everyone completes their sketches, present the sticky notes as an anonymous grouping. This exercise is not focused on who made what drawing. Rather, it is an opportunity to observe and discuss connections and associations from viewing a themed collection of images.
- Take time to look at the sticky notes. Share observations, ask questions, and follow the conversation freely. The observations will likely start from looking at form, like similarities and differences, and that’s a great place to begin.
- After sharing insights on form, expand the conversation. Touch on process, including the process of imagining, and the process of sketching. Transition into reflection. Speak to potential feelings sketches may evoke, and reasonings behind why.