Class one: off the mark

This evening the first Nine Trades class was held at the DCA printmaking workshop. Myself and two colleagues took part, and we were shown the basics of the screenprinting process. Although I'd done this during my art degree I'd forgotten much of the technique so I was as good as starting from scratch. My HBOS colleagues really took to it like the proverbial ducks to water, and produced a series of flat 'ground' blocks of colour with all the assurance of seasoned professionals. Next week we'll move on to composing the actual prints to be made from our workplace doodles, but they're already keen to sign up for classes beyond the basics being taught for Nine Trades. It's been a great start to the project and bodes well for what's due to happen over the coming weeks.

first draft

Tomorrow will be the first screen printing class at the DCA, and I'm expecting at least 3 participants to take part. Let's hope they make good on their promises to attend. The idea is that everyone brings along a doodle they created while at work, and this drawing will be turned into a professional-quality screen-print by the end of the session. I'll be bringing along my own scribble, which will be put through the magic process with the help of the DCA's expert technicians:

Getting started

Hello to you and welcome to the Nine Trades blog of Ben Robinson. The aim of this thing is to document the progress of the Nine Trades project, which will feature the artwork of my colleagues at HBOS in Dundee. Eventually other participants will be posting too, and you can follow their updates right here.

The project has just got off the ground, I have sent the following email around the call centre and already there is a good deal of interest:


Subject: Nine Trades of Dundee

Calling all call-centre workers and would-be artists!

Are you a secret artist? Do you draw doodles when you are on the phone? Now is the time to turn your doodles into fabulous screen-prints that will decorate the walls of the call-centre!

In collaboration with the Scottish Arts Council and Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design we are offering call-centre workers the chance to get some FREE classes at the DCA screen-printing workshop. This will only take about two hours of your time for up to 6 weeks. By the end of it you will be a skilled printer with your very own portfolio that you can keep forever! The prints will be framed and displayed on the walls of the office, and when we are all finished there will be a grand exhibition opening with champagne and canapes and the like.

If you are interested in this opportunity to get some FREE art training and your very own FREE print then just send me an email stating what sort of time would be suitable for you. The project has already been receiving TV and newspaper coverage, so this could be your big chance!

Times are not yet decided for the screen printing classes, but we are thinking Thursdays at around tea time or early evening at the end of July. If another time might suit you better, drop me a line and let me know. This is just an email to introduce you to the Nine Trades idea, and all feedback is welcome. I look forward to hearing from you!

many thanks
Ben Robinson