This is a method of mark making (drawing) I started applying in 2008, it went on to become a workshop model. It is an instinctual and primitive way of working that is basically moving to music, embodied responding by making marks to a rhythm or beat. Percussive drawing is freeing and playful and requires whole body engagement, the works created are dynamic and performative. Using recorded/live music or responding to surrounding environmental noise as a guide, I find my own pace and make a connection.  I take the sound as an offering, I  hear, feel, sense and reply, this is a dialogue, we are collaborating the sound and I. Sometimes we are arguing sometimes agreeing, we laugh and make plans, we discuss personal problems, fears and possibilities, sometimes we just cry together.

Together we are making marks.

 Instrument 2010 (my body, my primary tool, stills from live performance)

Percussive Drawing is;

Performative

Experimental

Physical

Emotional

Instinctive

Live

Playful

Embodied

Wild

Connected

Creative

Documented

Allowing the artist to engage on multiple levels, they are hearing and reacting, responding and embodying the sound through free physical movement.

Mark making is an age old instinctive behavior for humans as is movement and dance engaging the rhythm that exists within us all.

Experimenting with percussive drawing this year, I have developed some methods for potential collaborative projects. The bodhran (round irish drum) inspired this idea and it has continued from there.

Bodhran technique

• Making marks by striking, using pastels, pencils, texta.
• Removing pigment by striking (stick) to remove pigment.
• Paintbrush beater
• Spongehead beater
• Water balloon beater
• Turning the drum as playing (or for each session/song)
• Changing colours and/or changing tool
• Same piece used over a period of time (whole session recorded onto a single piece or new piece for each session?
• One piece used over a designated period eg; hourly/daily play for 2 minutes every morning for a week on the same piece-how does this change?

Kettle drum technique

• Most of the Bodhran techniques can be applied to the kettle drum also but this style allows for more collaborative methods.
• Multiple players can be playing the same piece
• Multiple drums can be played at one time
• Two sticks can be used at once
• Possibly easier to reload pigment as one hand can hold the beat
• Is easier…more of an accessible instrument
• Variety of strikes eg; stroking, bouncing, resting/moving line, swiping (pattern making)