Drawing in the cathedral - an artist's view

We were pleased to welcome artist Julia Watson who volunteered to draw in the cathedral.  It’s always brilliant to hear from someone who is looking to engage with us in this way, and I always seek to find a way to make what they hope to do a reality. She tells us about her experience:

'I’m always looking for a visual catalyst that complements my interest in the poetics of space and how we encounter specific environments. These environments can illicit subtle reactions in us, which we might need to tease out. I do this by looking, noticing, and drawing. This helps me to scratch at the boundaries of what is seen and felt. By slowing down, I can connect to the world through drawing.

'Christmas Eve 2023, I found myself at a Nine Lessons and Carols Service at Truro Cathedral. As I sat and reflected on the Christmas festivities, I took the opportunity to look around me. This was my first proper introduction to the space, and on looking, I noticed the endless intricacies of the Gothic Revival architecture, so I began drawing. These were hurried sketches, messily connecting the pointed arched ceilings above the South Aisle.  Once I’d started drawing, I was struck by something intangible. I began to be dragged in by the undercurrents of the space. Everywhere I could look, there was something new to understand, to draw. Though overwhelming, I knew by looking and noticing, I could begin to make sense of the space through drawing.'

'A year later, I had the time and opportunity to become a volunteer with the cathedral, with the intent of spending extended periods of time drawing parts of the building. I was unsure of what I might find, but knew the need to expose myself to the space.  I use a comparative measured drawing technique, which allows me to use my mechanical pencil or ruler to gauge the size or angle of a feature and to translate it to paper. This involves a lot of squinting and holding my arms outstretched, leading to interactions with curious onlookers and visitors to the cathedral. I chat with them about my work and motivations, and though why I’m doing it isn’t that simple, the conversations often shift to our shared experience of the cathedral, and the reverie it brings on. The pull of the cathedral is felt by all who pass its threshold, and we are called to notice this shared spiritual encounter. This is the distillation of why I’m choosing to draw the cathedral.'

'So far, the majority of drawings are from the Crossing, looking around to capture different corners from this view. I’ve begun venturing to other parts of the building, with the kind help of the staff. After several hours of working in person, I take the drawings home to continue working on them. They often need a bit of wrangling as I pull out different elements of the space, working from the memory and tacit aftermath. This allows each drawing to have a unique take, as the styles can differ dramatically. I’m excited to see where these drawings will lead me, as I’m sure this body of work is not finished yet'.

Julia Watson is an artist based in North Cornwall. After graduating from Falmouth University with First Class Honours in BA Drawing, her time is split between drawing and post-production work. More of her work can be found at www.juliawatsonart.com

If you’re interested in engaging with the cathedral or volunteering, then please do get in touch via info@trurocathedral.org.uk

Sean O'Neill
Chief Operating Officer