Community: Art as it happens

Appreciating art has a lot to do with imagining the thought process that went into creating the piece. What area of the canvas did the artist start on? How did the piece develop? At which point did the artist frown in concentration or frustration?

Sketch, a Dubai initiative, offers buyers and onlookers the chance to watch art as it is created before their eyes – and if they feel the pull of their inner artist, the chance to get creative.

Once a month, Jam Jar opens its doors for an evening of live sketching and music. The registration fee of Dh30 includes paper and all the basic materials needed to create anything from a simple sketch to a masterpiece. “A sketch is where you start,'' fellow artist and founder of design studio Fn, Shaikha Wafa Hasher Al Maktoum, explains.

“It is like the first draft and is the first thing you do when you create something.'' Coming up to its fifth month, the unique concept behind Sketch has proved popular with Dubai residents and attracts a steadily growing number of both established and budding artists.

An offshoot of the American event, Sketch Tuesday, Sketch was introduced by Fn as a unique way to facilitate interaction between the artist and the buyer. Unlike its American counterpart, Dubai's version welcomes artists, art lovers, friends, families and the curious onlooker to appreciate, mingle, create and buy. “I wanted this event to be about the ordinary artist and give them a chance to show off their talent.'' said Shaikha Wafa.

When completed, the works are put up for sale priced at modest rates varying between Dh50 and Dh500. Where owning works of art is usually associated with the select few who have enough money to throw around on expensive frames and house insurance, Shaikha Wafa emphasises how Sketch offers “an innovative, affordable and interactive way to expand your art collection''.

The pieces put up are sold only seconds after the final flourish is added, raw and unframed, allowing artists to appreciate the piece in its most basic form.

Dubai's potential

But the event has far more to it than money. It is a chance for Dubai's somewhat hidden creative scene to network, swap hints and ideas, and generally have a good time. “Sketch is great for exposing and supporting new up-and-coming talent in the region,'' Shaikha Wafa says.

Scattered among the regulars were a few new faces such as São Paolo-based graffiti artist, Nove, who had come to know of the event from the local art crowd. Having designed his image beforehand, he spent the night slowly recreating the piece using his signature bright colours and caricatured figures. “I came to Dubai to visit my sister. Before I arrived, I researched the art scene and through people found out about this event. It's a great way to bring local artists together.''

Local artist Darwin H. Guevarra, aka Japat, was working away on his third canvas. A regular at the event, his art work proved popular among buyers. “This is my third time here. I love the atmosphere, and there is so much variety.''

With four hours to sketch and sell their work, the process is relatively quick, but allows for more flair and impulsive creativity.

Lining the walls was a wide spectrum of art work. A range of mediums from cardboard boxes to canvas to torn bits of paper made for an interesting scrapbook effect. From moody sketches, surreal paintings to the occasional stick drawings, the spread of styles allowed me hours of leisurely viewing.

Shaikha Wafa describes her favourite part about the event as “the people, artists and the music - the atmosphere is just great and everyone has been having a great time. With each event we see new people as well as our regular Sketch enthusiasts, artists and art lovers.''

The next Sketch event will take place on September 24 from 5pm. For more information contact 04-3417 303.

– Aya Lowe works for Al Nisr media