Keep at it Roisin! Sounds like a wonderful idea. Let me know and I'll be your first customer. I lost most of the use of my right arm in a nasty car accident 25 years ago (airbag), and really need things to contain my things since holding them is sometimes problematic. Although today I managed to hold an entire 6-pack of 16 oz. bottles of Coke and carry them across the kitchen intact. I may take up juggling next. Anyway, carry on. Your pain is for a good cause.
Thanks Nancy, a couple more iterations to go and we'll be good. You might have to fight to be the first customer - it has been very encouraging to see so many people putting their name down for one! I will make the first ones myself while I am sorting out the offsite manufacture of the bags.
Really sorry to hear you are still compromised after so long. I have a hamstring that was incorrectly treated when it happened (by a quack) and I think it's there for good, but it's far less serious than yours. I hope you'll soon by juggling, and I will be...well, sitting down for long periods is all I struggle with, which is no bad thing anyway!
Well done and good luck for this new venture. Constant testing and tweaking and fine tuning i'm sure is what it is all about. I made a bag when i travelled to the USk Symposium in Porto which was also my hand luggage. It had many zips, pockets and compartments. As with anything trying to be too many things it was a bit awkward and heavy - its only once you are standing trying to sketch in a moving tram that you know exactly what you need....
I have also made so many bags - too big, too bulky, just plain wonky - but the ladies on YouTube are so skilled at putting these produts together, I would have been better off learning from them a long time ago! My homemade afforts have never held a candle to their genius creations. And to put those videos up for all to learn from - it's truly inspiring. it makes me want to pay it forward and put more detailed art stuff up on YouTube. In fact, that IS the plan.
You will love this bag - I am finding it brilliant and so conducive to impromptu sketching, or when I am on the train or standing up. I need to make the next size up so that I can have my A5 book with me, as that's my preferred size.
Audiences are so fickle and harsh. I think those monkeys are great and can see how you could build a long running story around them. But there again, I’ve not recently tried writing anything that does not involve derring dos in lifeboats on the high seas, so I’ll not comment further.
I’m very interested in your tales of the development of your sketch pocket. Like many of your followers, I’ve been looking for a few years for the ideal “minimalist” solution to carrying sketching kit, reaching a compromise that sort of works, but is neither elegant, nor ideal. Whilst I don’t see myself wearing your sketch pocket as a bag, I do see it as potentially the best option as an insert for my trusty shoulder bag (gifted by Michael Palin as the type he uses on his travels... but that’s another story!). Keeping everything together (inc a little rangefinder camera that I always carry) much more efficiently than my present couple of Joules waterproof make up bags as inserts (not in bright pink, or anything close, I hasten to add). So I’m watching this space with interest.
Hi Nick, yes those audiences don't know great art when they see it! But you should definitely share your tales of derring-do in lifeboats. We all want those!
In Dublin today I meet one of the wonderful students in the group, Lorraine, to discuss ways to improve the pattern for the bag. She's a professional pattern cutter...I am honoured by her generosity. She's coming all the way from Belfast.
The bag can be used without a strap, and will have a carabiner to attach it to your waist or a bag. There'll be other products in the range, including something waterproof, so I'm excited for the possibilities. What I love about embarking on a new venture is that you can never predict what's going to happen. The only certainty is surprise!
I do a lot of photography for RNLI lifeboats - and they are wanting sketches now, too! You can see some of what we do on our local lifeboat page on Facebook: Cowes RNLI Lifeboat, which I run as part of my role aspress officer, now being too old for regular lifeboat operations, but I still do crew training (they stop at 55yrs for most, but I pushed it a lot!). As qualified boat crew, I photograph for RNLI all over Southern England (and now sketch!). Our station Christmas Card of 2021 was one of my sketches (I think it'll still be on the FB page).
Your sketch pocket will definitely be of great interest. As said previously, everything I have used so far for "out and about" sketching is a compromise... or a specific design that just doesn't work for me. (The big Etchr bag comes into that category. I bought one when I started regular sketch walks, but it's huge and just doesn't cut it for me. I'm sure it's great for a lot of sketchers, but I like to travel as light as possible, especially when always carrying a camera (a little Leica rangefinder which goes everywhere with me!). It sounds like the team of you and Lorraine will be able to make good headway now and I wish you well with it. Not least because I want one! And no doubt your forthcoming other surprises too!
I am very impressed by your dedication to the RNLI. A book that made a massive impression on me was Storm and Conquest: The Battle For The Indian Ocean, 1808-10 by Stephen Taylor. I am sure you will have read it. But all those drownings! I consoled myself that the water is exceedingly warm down there but I am certain that would have been of little comfort to those poor souls.
The Etchr bag isn't quite right. I was sent all sorts of their products when they first came out but they were too heavy, and when I saw the explainer video it was clear to me that they were designed by men, for men - stronger and taller than women, and with flat bodies in the hip area, where the bag was supposed to be supported, rather than the curving profile we women have. As a result I never used the bags they sent, although the tiny field case has been my constant companion. Have to say - hand on heart - I am finding my SketchPocket great. I will send you, and a few others, a sample to field test before they go into mass production...if you will be so kind!
I read Storm and Conquest (etc) soon after it was published and just as I had finished the epic 20 volume "Master and Commander" series of books by Patrick O'Brian. I was astonished at how Stephen Taylor's book, although factual, managed to eclipse the storytelling of all those novels. Like you, and particularly being someone who has trained to try to prevent even a single drowning, I find the mass deaths in that episode in British naval history to be horrifying. I suppose the possibility was always at the back of my mind when working at sea and ocean sailing (the latter which I now avoid, preferring a much more comfortable life!). But deliberate destruction at sea goes against all that sailors normally hold dear.
I still use the Etchr field case when I'm car based, which is probably less than half my sketching time; I love walking and much of my sketching is simply done during local walks. It's a beautiful place with diverse subjects. I find that even the field case is a bit bulky for what I want to carry; the size is fine but, as you know, it's really only designed for pens and pencils. I know they show their little ceramic palette in it (something else of theirs that has fallen out of use with me, although again it's ok) and also jam a small sketchbook in their photos. But, it still ends up being another compromise. I (indeed, most of us) just don't need that much stuff with me really and if a "dedicated" case isn't right, it ends up no better than a simple bag that everything can be thrown into. That's why your bag is of so much interest, designed by someone who does what I do and carries what I want to carry (but all so much better than me of course!). I'd be very pleased indeed to field test any pre-production version and will help as much as possible with constructive feedback. How exciting to try something new! Thank you.
"Eclipsed the storytelling of all those novels": I read The Mapmaker's Daughter about twenty years ago and was so overwhelmed by it, when we hired a team of Brazilians to do some landscaping I raced out to ask them if what I'd read was as true now as it was in the 18th century. I didn't speak Portuguese and they didn't speak English, but I speak Spanish and know how to guess what another language does (to some extent): turns out all those things (in the Amazon) still exist. It was their first day at work and if they were fazed by this crazy woman dramatically oversharing in pidgin Portuguese, they didn't show it. I loved those guys.
(Over the next few weeks some of them shared stories of their own lives. No wonder they weren't fazed by me, is all I'll say.)
I feel happy you said that, because I am often disappointed in my inability to write fiction. But I guess nonfiction storytelling can be just as good, although the many rejections from publications I've had would suggest otherwise! It's always my genre of choice...other non-fiction storytelling title suggestions more than welcome!
I have had that book on my reading list for some time, but have yet to get around to it (regrettably I don't have your 30 hour days; I wish!). I really should read it as it's related to what was my main line of engineering work, designing and manufacturing sensors and other marine electronics to aid sea and riverbed surveying. (I think I've mentioned that before.) I haven't spent much time in Brazil - a few fascinating trips to Manaus and Rio to plan other work. But I have spent some years working in Iquitos, Peru and the northern Amazon and similar time in Paraquay on the mighty Paraná and Paraquay rivers, with major shipping at Asunción, 1700 miles from the river mouths. What an incredible continent! (And I haven't mentioned later years on the southern coasts and sea passages of Chile - well, I have now!) My eldest son followed me some years later into many of the same places, pursuing a different branch of marine engineering (they still allowed him in, which was a relief, ha ha), but now works nearer home, based in Arkansas and London. That was a rambling preamble to agreeing wholeheartedly with you about non-fiction writing. Storytelling in that genre can definitely rivet one's attention in a way that many novels struggle to achieve. Probably through the need for careful and thorough research which some (only some) novelists sidestep! I've written a lot of non-fiction, hopefully in an interesting way! I'd love a go at fiction, but I don't feel driven enough to put everything else aside!
Exactly that. Both of us are extremely lucky to live in beautiful places, that, at this time of year, people pay to visit and look forward to doing so all year. Yes, travel broadens the mind and all that. But it’s overrated and tiring too. My kids wouldn’t agree... yet. Although I know that our world travelling eldest readily comes home for holidays, as he is tomorrow! It’s also no mystery to us that my middle and youngest both chose to live on this Island too, without requiring the bank of Mum and Dad. So, as you say, neither of us have a bad lot if we stay put. Not at all!
wow...you are really putting your heart and soul into this project and the end result will be fabulous!...I kind of like sketch pocket and look forward to the finished product. Oh ...I thought those monkeys were cute!!
Thanks Geri! You have taste! I will find the recipe they starred in and share it sometime. I christened them Coco and Nut. But alas they keep failing auditions. And thanks for the encouragement, it is very much appreciated!
Keep at it Roisin! Sounds like a wonderful idea. Let me know and I'll be your first customer. I lost most of the use of my right arm in a nasty car accident 25 years ago (airbag), and really need things to contain my things since holding them is sometimes problematic. Although today I managed to hold an entire 6-pack of 16 oz. bottles of Coke and carry them across the kitchen intact. I may take up juggling next. Anyway, carry on. Your pain is for a good cause.
Thanks Nancy, a couple more iterations to go and we'll be good. You might have to fight to be the first customer - it has been very encouraging to see so many people putting their name down for one! I will make the first ones myself while I am sorting out the offsite manufacture of the bags.
Really sorry to hear you are still compromised after so long. I have a hamstring that was incorrectly treated when it happened (by a quack) and I think it's there for good, but it's far less serious than yours. I hope you'll soon by juggling, and I will be...well, sitting down for long periods is all I struggle with, which is no bad thing anyway!
I love those monkeys...just saying.
Well done and good luck for this new venture. Constant testing and tweaking and fine tuning i'm sure is what it is all about. I made a bag when i travelled to the USk Symposium in Porto which was also my hand luggage. It had many zips, pockets and compartments. As with anything trying to be too many things it was a bit awkward and heavy - its only once you are standing trying to sketch in a moving tram that you know exactly what you need....
Looking forward to the finished sketch pocket.
I have also made so many bags - too big, too bulky, just plain wonky - but the ladies on YouTube are so skilled at putting these produts together, I would have been better off learning from them a long time ago! My homemade afforts have never held a candle to their genius creations. And to put those videos up for all to learn from - it's truly inspiring. it makes me want to pay it forward and put more detailed art stuff up on YouTube. In fact, that IS the plan.
You will love this bag - I am finding it brilliant and so conducive to impromptu sketching, or when I am on the train or standing up. I need to make the next size up so that I can have my A5 book with me, as that's my preferred size.
Audiences are so fickle and harsh. I think those monkeys are great and can see how you could build a long running story around them. But there again, I’ve not recently tried writing anything that does not involve derring dos in lifeboats on the high seas, so I’ll not comment further.
I’m very interested in your tales of the development of your sketch pocket. Like many of your followers, I’ve been looking for a few years for the ideal “minimalist” solution to carrying sketching kit, reaching a compromise that sort of works, but is neither elegant, nor ideal. Whilst I don’t see myself wearing your sketch pocket as a bag, I do see it as potentially the best option as an insert for my trusty shoulder bag (gifted by Michael Palin as the type he uses on his travels... but that’s another story!). Keeping everything together (inc a little rangefinder camera that I always carry) much more efficiently than my present couple of Joules waterproof make up bags as inserts (not in bright pink, or anything close, I hasten to add). So I’m watching this space with interest.
Hi Nick, yes those audiences don't know great art when they see it! But you should definitely share your tales of derring-do in lifeboats. We all want those!
In Dublin today I meet one of the wonderful students in the group, Lorraine, to discuss ways to improve the pattern for the bag. She's a professional pattern cutter...I am honoured by her generosity. She's coming all the way from Belfast.
The bag can be used without a strap, and will have a carabiner to attach it to your waist or a bag. There'll be other products in the range, including something waterproof, so I'm excited for the possibilities. What I love about embarking on a new venture is that you can never predict what's going to happen. The only certainty is surprise!
I do a lot of photography for RNLI lifeboats - and they are wanting sketches now, too! You can see some of what we do on our local lifeboat page on Facebook: Cowes RNLI Lifeboat, which I run as part of my role aspress officer, now being too old for regular lifeboat operations, but I still do crew training (they stop at 55yrs for most, but I pushed it a lot!). As qualified boat crew, I photograph for RNLI all over Southern England (and now sketch!). Our station Christmas Card of 2021 was one of my sketches (I think it'll still be on the FB page).
Your sketch pocket will definitely be of great interest. As said previously, everything I have used so far for "out and about" sketching is a compromise... or a specific design that just doesn't work for me. (The big Etchr bag comes into that category. I bought one when I started regular sketch walks, but it's huge and just doesn't cut it for me. I'm sure it's great for a lot of sketchers, but I like to travel as light as possible, especially when always carrying a camera (a little Leica rangefinder which goes everywhere with me!). It sounds like the team of you and Lorraine will be able to make good headway now and I wish you well with it. Not least because I want one! And no doubt your forthcoming other surprises too!
I am very impressed by your dedication to the RNLI. A book that made a massive impression on me was Storm and Conquest: The Battle For The Indian Ocean, 1808-10 by Stephen Taylor. I am sure you will have read it. But all those drownings! I consoled myself that the water is exceedingly warm down there but I am certain that would have been of little comfort to those poor souls.
The Etchr bag isn't quite right. I was sent all sorts of their products when they first came out but they were too heavy, and when I saw the explainer video it was clear to me that they were designed by men, for men - stronger and taller than women, and with flat bodies in the hip area, where the bag was supposed to be supported, rather than the curving profile we women have. As a result I never used the bags they sent, although the tiny field case has been my constant companion. Have to say - hand on heart - I am finding my SketchPocket great. I will send you, and a few others, a sample to field test before they go into mass production...if you will be so kind!
I read Storm and Conquest (etc) soon after it was published and just as I had finished the epic 20 volume "Master and Commander" series of books by Patrick O'Brian. I was astonished at how Stephen Taylor's book, although factual, managed to eclipse the storytelling of all those novels. Like you, and particularly being someone who has trained to try to prevent even a single drowning, I find the mass deaths in that episode in British naval history to be horrifying. I suppose the possibility was always at the back of my mind when working at sea and ocean sailing (the latter which I now avoid, preferring a much more comfortable life!). But deliberate destruction at sea goes against all that sailors normally hold dear.
I still use the Etchr field case when I'm car based, which is probably less than half my sketching time; I love walking and much of my sketching is simply done during local walks. It's a beautiful place with diverse subjects. I find that even the field case is a bit bulky for what I want to carry; the size is fine but, as you know, it's really only designed for pens and pencils. I know they show their little ceramic palette in it (something else of theirs that has fallen out of use with me, although again it's ok) and also jam a small sketchbook in their photos. But, it still ends up being another compromise. I (indeed, most of us) just don't need that much stuff with me really and if a "dedicated" case isn't right, it ends up no better than a simple bag that everything can be thrown into. That's why your bag is of so much interest, designed by someone who does what I do and carries what I want to carry (but all so much better than me of course!). I'd be very pleased indeed to field test any pre-production version and will help as much as possible with constructive feedback. How exciting to try something new! Thank you.
"Eclipsed the storytelling of all those novels": I read The Mapmaker's Daughter about twenty years ago and was so overwhelmed by it, when we hired a team of Brazilians to do some landscaping I raced out to ask them if what I'd read was as true now as it was in the 18th century. I didn't speak Portuguese and they didn't speak English, but I speak Spanish and know how to guess what another language does (to some extent): turns out all those things (in the Amazon) still exist. It was their first day at work and if they were fazed by this crazy woman dramatically oversharing in pidgin Portuguese, they didn't show it. I loved those guys.
(Over the next few weeks some of them shared stories of their own lives. No wonder they weren't fazed by me, is all I'll say.)
I feel happy you said that, because I am often disappointed in my inability to write fiction. But I guess nonfiction storytelling can be just as good, although the many rejections from publications I've had would suggest otherwise! It's always my genre of choice...other non-fiction storytelling title suggestions more than welcome!
I have had that book on my reading list for some time, but have yet to get around to it (regrettably I don't have your 30 hour days; I wish!). I really should read it as it's related to what was my main line of engineering work, designing and manufacturing sensors and other marine electronics to aid sea and riverbed surveying. (I think I've mentioned that before.) I haven't spent much time in Brazil - a few fascinating trips to Manaus and Rio to plan other work. But I have spent some years working in Iquitos, Peru and the northern Amazon and similar time in Paraquay on the mighty Paraná and Paraquay rivers, with major shipping at Asunción, 1700 miles from the river mouths. What an incredible continent! (And I haven't mentioned later years on the southern coasts and sea passages of Chile - well, I have now!) My eldest son followed me some years later into many of the same places, pursuing a different branch of marine engineering (they still allowed him in, which was a relief, ha ha), but now works nearer home, based in Arkansas and London. That was a rambling preamble to agreeing wholeheartedly with you about non-fiction writing. Storytelling in that genre can definitely rivet one's attention in a way that many novels struggle to achieve. Probably through the need for careful and thorough research which some (only some) novelists sidestep! I've written a lot of non-fiction, hopefully in an interesting way! I'd love a go at fiction, but I don't feel driven enough to put everything else aside!
Exactly that. Both of us are extremely lucky to live in beautiful places, that, at this time of year, people pay to visit and look forward to doing so all year. Yes, travel broadens the mind and all that. But it’s overrated and tiring too. My kids wouldn’t agree... yet. Although I know that our world travelling eldest readily comes home for holidays, as he is tomorrow! It’s also no mystery to us that my middle and youngest both chose to live on this Island too, without requiring the bank of Mum and Dad. So, as you say, neither of us have a bad lot if we stay put. Not at all!
ps The horse outfit story is hilarious (except for the amount of work it all must have taken. I remember those days with our own kids’ school plays!).
It was much more x-rated than I managed to draw it! All my tiredness evaporated in an instant, I was laughing so hard :D
wow...you are really putting your heart and soul into this project and the end result will be fabulous!...I kind of like sketch pocket and look forward to the finished product. Oh ...I thought those monkeys were cute!!
Thanks Geri! You have taste! I will find the recipe they starred in and share it sometime. I christened them Coco and Nut. But alas they keep failing auditions. And thanks for the encouragement, it is very much appreciated!