the sketchbook project

(from the web site) We are an an independent Brooklyn-based company that organizes global, collaborative art projects. Our flagship endeavor is The Sketchbook Project, a crowd-sourced library that features 33,805 artists' books contributed by creative people from 135+ countries. Brooklyn Art Library is our storefront exhibition space in the heart of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY where The Sketchbook Project collection is on view to the public.

The Sketchbook Project began in 2006 in Atlanta, GA and moved to New York City in 2009. Since that time, our small organization has grown into a worldwide community of more than 70,000 artists. By focusing on the intersection of hands-on art making and new technology, The Sketchbook Project nurtures community-supported art projects that harness the power of the virtual world to share inspiration in the real world.

“This is my fourth consecutive year of participation in the Sketchbook Project. My first edition was simply a series of loose wash, field sketches of sundry subjects in and around where I live in Sydney’s beautiful beachside suburb of Manly,and further afield in the city’s majestic Centennial Park.

Next followed The Memoir Project. Requirements for this project were that it must be hand written in the special issue sketchbook which is mailed to participants once they sign on for the project of their choice.

I managed to write around 6,000 words on growing up with a father who had been severely scarred by war. Although I am a professional travel writer and former magazine editor, I found this little exercise a tremendous kick starter in preparation for writing a larger work…. It’s just that I haven’t started yet.

The third sketchbook was a painted narrative of a recent visit to Myanmar. Much of it was done sitting on the deck of an old colonial-style riverboat on the Irrawaddy.

My most recent one, Icons of Sydney Harbour was done in various parts of the harbour, on ferries, parK benches, under the bridge, and at Luna Park. It became a memorable journey and a fulfilling
way to record my personal journey within my beloved city of Sydney.

This sketchbook will be the last of the touring sketchbook series. It’s a little sad, as members of my US family and friends who are scattered far and wide in CONUS, were able to have a look at when the Sketchbook Project’s big truck rolled in to town. However, those creative colleagues at the Brooklyn Art Library have new plans afoot. Meanwhile, the sketchbooks can always be viewed in their permanent residence.”