Remember the good ol’ days? when judgment was but a distant concept and the weight of societal expectations had not yet taken hold. There were times when the simple act of doodling at the back of your school notebooks was enough to bring you pure, unadulterated joy. It was a place where the distinctions of good, bad, and ugly held no sway, and the sole purpose was to revel in the joy of creating something.
Terrible Drawing Club embodies the belief that one's perception of their art's quality is inconsequential; the act of drawing itself takes centre stage. It is a safe space for the creative community to play and liberate their artistic expression, convening monthly with complete freedom and abandon. Their conviction is that, regardless of one's skill level, as long as inspiration is kindled, one should utilise their artistic instrument.
In the year 2022, after overcoming procrastination, indecision, and a global pandemic, the Terrible Drawing Club was born. They extended an invitation to artists, novices, and enthusiasts to embrace their creative worst. In jest, they assured that the objective was not to create unattractive drawings but rather to release the burden of striving for aesthetic perfection. No matter how imperfect the outcome, there would be no expressions of disapproval.
Harshita Sharma, the creative force behind the Terrible Drawing Club (TDC), is a painter and illustrator hailing from Delhi. One distinctive aspect of Harshita's artistic process is her deep connection to music; it's rare when she paints without its influence. She has taken on many creative projects, her 'Fursat' series is an exploration of those precious moments of resistance, where women opt for solitary reflection and reprieve over conforming to societal expectations and the demands placed on their time. Through her art, Harshita captures the essence of empowerment, self-discovery, and the unapologetic pursuit of joy. She is currently working in a design agency and putting up the final touches for a zine that will be out soon.
The Terrible Drawing Club has also ventured into the India Art Fair for the Young Collector's Programme, where they explored nostalgia, transformed childhood games into drawing prompts, and even indulged in some awkward dancing.
During a zine session, participants had the opportunity to delve deeper into their artistic journeys. Harshita transformed her extensive collection of books and zines, collected from both Indian and international artists over the years, into a cozy reading room. In this inspiring environment, participants were encouraged to create their own zines, using prompts provided by the club.
Mark your calendars, gather your supplies (some are even complimentary!), and attend the next TDC meeting. Find out more about the club and follow Harshita here.
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