Sketchbooks

Sketchbook work. For me it involves a lot of research, a whole load of thinking, playing with words or imaginings, deciphering, understanding, frustration as well as the mulling of possibilities. Some thoughts can be revisited or rehashed. A lot can happen on the pages of a sketchbook. Sketchbook work is something that has been with me since the early days of my art education, documenting quotes, conversations, imagery. Treated as a diary whilst giving the ability to look back over long forgotten ideas that suddenly become relevant.

Sam Larter Sketchbook 2026

This week it's been influences of stage, its design, functions and building of. Discovering new designers, scenic artists all brand new influences for my own work. I can't remember exactly why I started to look at the stage in particular the scenic elements. Maybe its to do with the layers and changes. Or the sense of a new space developing in front of you. Instant atmosphere, emotion, place.

Sam Larter Sketchbook 2026

Other sketchbook additions have included looking at the philosophy of being human, the sense of purpose, being authentic. Self reflection. This is something that refers back to my own work. The use of material is an obvious importance for my work its what feels authentic to me, the idea of using and making do with what you have or can afford. Being resourceful with limited means available. Starting with very little and producing something that represents my version of art according to my background, my outlook and ambition in being an artist.

Sam Larter Sketchbook 2026

I've also been looking at Hogarth his prints and the objects in them. One image he produced was a protest against Robert Walpole, Britain's first prime minister. Walpole created the Licensing Act of 1737. The act gave the British government the power to heavily censor theatrical productions. Sentimentalist domestic plays and Shakespeare were the only productions allowed on stage. Hogarth critiqued the British government’s pompous attempt to whitewash the theatre by juxtaposing the idealized characters the actresses will portray with the actresses’ reality. We can see the chaos of the backstage surrounded by props the audience unaware ready for the diluted, sanitised version that would be seen instead as depicted by law. A quelling of culture. The pages of my sketchbook bounces from thought to thought but always with a link to art and its authenticity. A constant learning.

Strolling Actresses Dressing in a Barn

May 1738

The sketchbook is important in creating new sculpture for future exhibitions. Trying out ideas on the page first. Imagining the reality of the piece in my mind from what I draw.

Looking at AI, who controls it and for what benefit. Being human again and our processes as artists. I have to admit that seeing my own artwork in a setting or place has been a useful way to use AI. I can easily play with scale this way too.

Yellow lines, yellow blocks and other objects. Restrictions of line and markings. Destruction, reduction and control. Looking at objects that are used to control movement and space.

Just an average week in my sketchbook. How do you use your sketchbook? What do you put in there? Or is it a no show, for your eyes only?

#research #sculpture #making #criticalthinking #art