The following article was published in the Post Newspaper 2 March 2019 by Sarah McNeill:
Artist Bee Tan would like to encourage people to do “sketches” instead of taking “selfies”.
Through her sketching workshops, Bee is promoting the idea that sketching is an opportunity for everyone to get in touch with their surroundings in a fun and more meaningful way.
“Sketches have often been the seed bed of thoughts and ideas for bigger, more complex works,” Bee said. ” But now sketches and sketchbooks are valued as art forms.
“It’s not fine art, it’s everyday art.
“A sketch a day is a meditative process. It’s about taking a little time out from busy lives and getting in touch with your creativity.
“Everyone can draw, they just don’t know it yet.”
“And, unlike a canvas, a sketchbook is a small, manageable and less intimidating, especially for beginners.”
Bee has always been an artist, but for almost 30 years she was also a medical GP in her native Singapore.
When she moved to Perth 16 years ago she wanted to pursue her belief in the healing power of art and took a master’s degree in art therapy at Edith Cowan University.
She has been running a community art and craft program at Subiaco Church.
She began sketching every day after she was immobilised with a broken foot two years ago.
“Sketching daily had a profound impact on my life and well-being,” she said.
“My sketchbooks become a record of my everyday life. I sketch the things I do, places I go, people I meet, and even the food I eat. Sketching on location is also a great way to meet new people and make new friends.”
Bee has started a new series of social mini sketching workshops at Moss Black cafe in Jolimont. The next one is on Monday, March 18, at 10am.
“It’s a relaxed and casual setting to learn the art of sketching,”Bee said. “Coffee and cakes are included in the workshop – but everyone has to sketch them before they can have them!”
Bee also runs watercolour and sketching workshops at Settlers Cottage artist’s studio in Pearson Street, Churchlands, where she is a resident artist.
To book for workshops, go to http://beekcan.eventbrite.com.au