drawing attention
I draw at events — sitting on the edges, watching what’s happening, and making illustrations of the moments that might otherwise go unnoticed. Not the keynote speaker or the headline act, but the quiet exchange between two people in the corner, the feeling in the room before something shifts, the question nobody said out loud.
It’s a way of paying attention differently. I observe the group as a whole and the individuals within it, drawing and writing based on what I see, feel, and wonder about. The illustrations can be shared throughout the event as they happen, gathered into a video afterwards, or presented as a piece of artwork to keep or display. They can help make meaning from an event, or simply capture something true about it that words alone wouldn’t.
I work on the edges but from the inside — I’m part of what’s happening, not just a recorder of it. I find groups endlessly fascinating, and live illustration is one of the ways I get to be curious about them.
This works well at community gatherings, retreats, creative and arts events, workshops, meetings, and conferences — any gathering where you’d value someone paying close attention to what’s happening between people, not just what’s being presented.
I’ve drawn at the filming of a documentary (my illustrations became part of the film), at a large workshop on collaboration, at a yoga retreat, at the Vagina Museum birthday party and at many other events and meetings.
What people have said:
“Jo has some of the most curious and unique observations of anyone I’ve ever met, and has an incredible ability to capture moments of truth artistically presented with beautiful hand drawn renderings.” — Jim Elms, director of short film
“Collaborating with Jo exceeded my expectations. She helped take our clients on a transformative journey with her thoughtful facilitation style and playful art techniques. Jo also documented poignant ideas and feelings that arose, with unique sketches made in the moment.” – Helen Jane Campbell, For Creative People.
“I love the way you sit on the periphery but tune into what’s going on in any group. You can articulate dynamics in a way that people connect with yet don’t feel intimidated or uncomfortable by. The visual representation of what was going on between us helps to articulate the point of our work in a way that is beyond words.” — Megan Taylor, Director, RISE Beyond
Interested in having me at your event? Email jo@misswoodforthetrees.com and let’s have a chat.