Marcus Sly - Furniture Making and Design

"I don’t trust any architect who can’t draw".  Thus spoke Prince Charles recently, not being one to pull his punches where architects are concerned.  Many people might be surprised to learn that there is such a thing as an architect who can't draw; the idea seems an oxymoron.  However in the computer age it is easy (and economically tempting) to let the computer completely take over the process of depicting our ideas.  Here are a few reasons why picking up a pencil and paper again is worth it:

Firstly, drawing forces us to look closely.  When we draw a building or piece of furniture we have to give it our intense attention.  Through this we start to see things that we otherwise would skim over or miss altogether.  This expands our store of design possibilities, and increases our connection with the work of others, past and present.

Drawing also develops our sensitivity.  Through seeking to reproduce the lines found in nature or a great work of art we become more aware of subtle differences between lines and the effects these differences have on us.  As craftspeople or designers this awareness transfers directly into a greater sensitivity towards line and form in our work.

Learning to draw gives us a direct and expressive language we can use to communicate with clients and colleagues - and with ourselves.  It is the quickest way to develop visual ideas and is infinitely flexible.  It avoids the very common problem of having the imaginative side of our work subtly controlled or directed by the interface and limitations of a Computer Aided Design system.

Finally, drawing is a very grounded and holistic process. In order to draw we need to notice that we have both a mind and a body, and use them in a skilful and integrated way. What we draw is a direct expression of us as a human being.  This is no bad thing when we are designing things for other human beings to live with.

Why this sudden zeal about drawing?  Recently I have been lucky enough to be able do a couple of courses at the Prince's Drawing School.  This is a wonderful instution, where you can do anything from an evening class to a postgraduate diploma in drawing.  If you live near enough I highly recommend you go!