
On Saturday 19 March I went to the Access Art Sketchbook Conference in Cambridge with my fabulous friend, Beatriz (www.beatrizacevedo.com). It was a great day. The presentations were inspiring and informative and full of ideas which were doable and that always helps. There was a brilliant exhibition of delegates’ sketchbooks which we could handle. And there were great hands-on workshops, including a mass sketchbook making session. There must have been getting on for a hundred of us all simultaneously making sketchbooks. Mine is shown at the top of the post. Here are some shots of the inside of the book:


My sketchbook feels calm and well-ordered for once, with nice big pages and plenty of pockets. This is unlike me, except I do like to make sturdy notebooks, so mine is stitched. Beatriz, on the other hand, made some wonderfully spontaneous and exuberant sketchbooks, which match her temperament.

And this is her lovely Spring-like book which will be accompanying her on her upcoming trip to Cornwall:

It was great to be with so many people working together on a creative project. Yet again, for me it showed how the energy is amplified when people work together. It’s a great feeling. I really hope they run another conference next year.