Drawing from Sounds
with Hackney Brocals
3rd November 2020
A pre-lockdown afternoon session held at U7 Lounge on Regent’s Canal in Haggeston, London. The participants were members of Hackney Brocals, a group of older bro’s, aged 50+, who battle “broneliness” through participating in activities together.
One of the bro’s, Stephen, with his sketchbook of drawings from sound
Each participant made a simple sketchbook, through folding and cutting. A series of sounds, some musical and some more abstract, were then played for the participants to react to through the medium of drawing. Each sound resulted in a different page of the sketchbook being decorated. At the end we opened up the sketchbooks, into large sheets, to reveal the collection of all of their drawings.
Peter’s unfolded sketchbook of sound drawings. Each page shows a different response to a different sound
Because sounds don’t have a defined visual, this process is liberating for those who don’t often draw. It allows the participants to express themselves in a truly individual way. For those experiencing dementia, music and sound can be one of most stimulating senses, evoking memories, and helping to explore new avenues through rhythm.
A more literal, but just as intriguing, response to some of the sounds