Despite the setbacks caused by coronavirus, Warrnambool artist Caroline Healey has taken it upon herself to keep the creativity flowing through a sketchbooking group on Facebook.
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Healey was booked to teach a workshop on sketchbooking through the Warrnambool School of Art in March and another in May but with the postponing of the event, the artist turned to social media to connect people through sketching.
"I knew quite a few people who wanted to learn how I sketch," Healey said.
"I know what a beautiful mental release documenting your place in the world can be.
"The group began as I invited the workshop attendees and they invited others who were interested and it grew."
The artist teamed up with friend Kylie Moroney to organise the group Sketchbooking - Inspiration and Tips and together they've brought together almost 150 members with daily inspiration, tips and tricks about drawing current experiences.
"There are people in the group who were meant to be travelling in this time who now cannot and they've told me they've found joy and fulfilment through sketchbooking," Healey said.
"Some people are older and have been in total lock down so this project has been really healthy for them.
"There's also a gratitude element to the group where people have drawn their entry for the day and expressed what they feel grateful for, whether that be their children, cat or wine.
"This is such an interesting time in history for us. It feels like nothing this big has happened across the world since World War II. We can document this time and what we're learning and in 50 years time this is the lens which we will see our world."
Throughout the group, Healey has found connection with an array of people, some of whom she had never met before. People have also introduced themselves and shared their situations through their art.
"It's been really beautiful," Healey said.
"We've had lots of posts and comments about people's love for the group and everyone's been proud and enthusiastic for their sketches.
"We're just trying to spread some corona-kindness."
Through her social media channels, Healey showcases her art; encapsulating beautiful south-west scenes and shares positive vibes through highlighting her favourite Warrnambool works for sale on Friday mornings for 'Feel Good Fridays'.
To join the group head to facebook.com/groups/2473114332794166 and to view Caroline Healey's work head to carolinehealeyart.com.
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