In an age where almost everybody can take snapshots with their cameras, one may find it weird to see a couple of guys sitting in some part of the street drawing the scenes in front of them. Though such sight is all too common in other parts of the world, especially in Europe and Northern America, it is quite unusual here in Iloilo.
Sketch and photo by Christian Evren Lozañes at Trappist Abbey Guimaras.
Sketcrawlers Hermogenes Gacho, Anthony Castillo and Mark Anthony Larida at Plaza Libertad Iloilo City.
Photo by Christian Evren Lozañes.
These guys are local visual artists who take it upon themselves to sharpen and explore their craft by taking their art to the public. The idea of sketching in public is not a new concept, but is a rare practice here in the city. So, armed with their sketchbooks and pencil along with whatever art materials they may decide to bring, they indulge themselves into a drawing spree of anything that is within the place they are at the moment that caught their fancy.
Sketch made during the Paraw Regatta, the largest sailing event in the Philippines. Photo and sketch by Mark Anthony Larida.
Sketch of one of Iloilo City’s heritage building located at JM Basa St. Iloilo City. Photo and sketch by Mark Anthony Larida.
SketchCrawling is adopted from the original idea by Enrico Casarosa. He is an Italian artist who is credited for forming and promoting the idea of going around and sketching people, buildings, things and even happenings around them. Since its organization, SketchCrawl has become a worldwide phenomenon participated by artists around the world armed with sketchpads, pencils, watercolor and other sketching materials.
Started with three inspired Ilonggo artists, the first SketchCrawl session happened at Esplanade Iloilo. It was then that the idea to go around Iloilo City and nearby towns to sketch and enjoy the place and the company of sketchcrawlers was conceived. The group allots at least one Monday every month to gather and go to places they decided to do their SketchCrawl session. Another goal is to sketch moments, one place at a time.
Photo and sketch by Mark Anthony Larida
To know more about SketchCrawl Iloilo and their future sessions visit their Facebook account: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SketchCrawlCulture/