Illustrating in real time, stage right

Each one of my Live Illustration gigs seems to be so completely unique, so individual and rarely does the same scenario repeat. This was the case when working with a local youth theatre community. Of course it was going full of energy, fun and drama. And you know, if there is a stage and a big screen, they should be used.

My job was to first create a ‘colourbook style’ illustration of the area as you see it now. Lyra wanted to bring out bright and fun ideas to jazz up the space. In a place where kids are used to having their good things taken away and experiencing change that is mostly never good, this was an opportunity to give them a chance to share their ideas of what they wanted the space to be. As they were shouting out their ideas, I drew what I heard. They didn’t just ask for additions of flying foxes and slides. Oh no. With great enthusiasm they suggested a skatepark, fun shelters with lighting, additions to the art park, food trucks, trampolines, a moveable stage and a large climbing wall with a giant bird on top.

Soon the image was filling up with colour. A new building to replace the old one. A painted facade with colourful letters. It was high energy and I had 45 minutes to create the work.

This project was part of a Place Plan in an area of the city that needs some attention. The team were wonderful. I was able to meet some of the teens and they were soooooo lovely. They were busy selling food for fundraising as well as showing their talents in performances throughout the Bright and Wild weekend. How lucky that there are projects like this to draw in the kids and show them what they can do. If given the opportunity, they can do wonderful things.