This special episode of our podcast was recorded live at the Sketch The Rainbow x International Women's Day event on Sunday 7th March, 2021. 

In it, our Founder Dulcie chats to Artist Helen Roeten, cultural icon Sue Kreitzman and Colour Expert Momtaz Begum-Hossain about the social and life-enriching powers of creativity, community and colour.  Expect a candid and uplifting conversation about finding your people, the therapeutic powers of colour and art, and wearing whatever the f*ck you want!  

Sketch Appeal Founder Dulcie chats to some of the awesome women who've been coming to Sketchy Bitches sessions on Zoom throughout 2020.   They talk about how the experiences and interactions have helped them, both personally and creatively, to get through this most difficult of years.  

Thank you to the following Sketchy Bs who gave up their Saturday afternoons to contribute to the conversation: 

Helen Girling
Mandy Johnson
Michele Martinoli
Janna McDonald
Clari Searle
Bibi West-Oram
Sophie Whitehead

And a special thanks to Pepper (Janna's dog) for bringing some bonus squeaks and comedy value!  

To celebrate the 2nd anniversary of Sketch Appeal (on 1st July 2020), Dulcie talked to her right-hand woman, Sarah Fox! 

This episode is as much a celebration of friendship as it is of the life-changing, therapeutic powers of drawing.  You'll hear how they met and connected, how they used drawing as a tool to aid their recovery from anorexia, and ultimately how engaging with their creativity on a regular basis has enabled to reclaim and live their lives. 

Drawing is a powerful form of mindfulness and self-care that can help us to explore, express and develop a strong and healthy relationship with ourselves.  It can help us to engage and feel part of the commmunity - connect us to others on a unspoken and meaningful level.   It can unite people of all ages, all backgrounds and all levels of perceived creative 'skill'.  If ever there is an episode to vocalise all of the above then this is it! 

 

Ever wondered what your breath looks like?!  Listen up and you might just find out!

In this episode Dulcie talks to Tom Granger, author of Draw Breath; a brilliant book packed full of relaxing activities which fuse drawing and breathwork to create a unique and accessible form of mindfulness that EVERYONE can enjoy!    

As well as some of the methodologies and messages of the book, Tom talks about his personal experience of meditation and depression, discusses his drawing habits, bad ideas  and takes on a signature Sketch Appeal challenge!

If you're one of those people who struggles with conventional forms of meditation and mindfulness then pick up a copy of Tom's book and give drawing breath a go!

Find out more:

About Tom & Draw Breath
About Sketch Appeal

Thanks to Holly Wellington for our fab podcast music! 

Ever wondered what and who it takes to set up a creative events company ?!  

In this episode Dulcie chats to Nikki Shaill about how and why she (accidentally!) set up Art Macabre, and why she recently closed it to launch her new venture, Originary Arts. 

They talk about their experiences of running creative events in London, the joy of Instagram art challenges, finding your drawing style, building creative confidence, drawing through depression, creativity during COVID and much, much more!

Check out Originary Arts for more info about Nikki's work and mission.

Visit the Sketch Appeal website for more info and to join their events on Zoom!

Theme music by Holly Wellington

In this first full episode of our podcast, Sketch Appeal Founder Dulcie chats to Artist and Musician Holly Wellington. 

Holly was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 25.  Thankfully she's now got the all-clear and is doing wonderful things to help others through similar experiences.

Holly talks candidly about her cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery, and how she used her creativity to heal and help her through the process.   As well as music, Holly turned to self-portraiture to stay connected to her true self, whilst acknowledging and accepting the physical changes she experienced during treatment.

As you'll hear if you listen, Holly's energy, enthusiasm and experience is truly inspiring.  You'll also understand how, mid-way through chemotherapy, she and her band Ishmael Ensemble managed to schedule a 'casual gig' at Glastonbury! 

Check out:

@HollyWellington
@IshmaelEnsemble

Thank you Holly for this incredible chat, and also for creating our podcast theme music!

XXX

If you are a young person living with cancer and in need of support please visit @TeenageCancerTrust for a wide range of advice and resources.  

We hope you enjoy this episode, if you do please write us a lil review! 

Sketch Appeal is a Community Interest Company which celebrates the power of everyday creativity and the joy of SKETCH! In this first mini episode, the company's Founder Dulcie shares her story and gives a brief intro into how and why she came to launch mission sketch! 

Throughout the series, you'll hear uplifting conversations with a range of arts advocates, artists and creative catalysts, who share their passions and first-hand experiences of the valuable role art can play in our mental health.

If you like this episode please leave us a lil review!