Meet Nervous Drawing's Alex Boican
- Catching Lives
- Jun 26
- 3 min read
It's been a year since we launched our 'Meet The Volunteers' feature in our monthly newsletter, celebrating the amazing people at the heart of Catching Lives. Now it's time to meet some of the brilliant facilitators who contribute to our Arts and Activities programmes. Artist Alex Boican has been running Nervous Drawing workshops once or twice a month at Catching Lives since July 2022.
Tell us about the activity you offer at Catching Lives
The Nervous Drawing workshop is for anyone who wants to overcome the fear of mark-making. It has only one rule: there are no mistakes, meaning that everything we draw is perfect. It consists of short sessions that break down the process of making a drawing or painting into simple stages using different media and techniques to make marks. It is a great practice that helps both professional artists and first-timers gain self-confidence.
How did you first hear about Catching Lives?
Word of mouth. A friend put me in touch with Miriam (Arts & Activities Coordinator)
Why did you want to get involved with Catching Lives?
It was during the first year of running the workshop, and getting involved with Catching Lives offered me the opportunity to develop and expand my skills as an art facilitator with a different audience.
What are some joys you have experienced since starting with Catching Lives?
There are many. The best thing is to see how someone sceptical about art turns during the workshop. That look of surprise and joy on their face when they realise that they are an artist. The happiness of one of the clients on selling two works they created during my workshop. Seeing the works created by the participants featured in a number of exhibitions.
What would you say to someone thinking about getting involved at Catching Lives?
Get involved. It is a great organisation; everyone is friendly and helpful. There are challenges, but also great rewards.
Outside of Catching Lives, how do you like to spend your time?
I like to spend a lot of my time in my studio painting.
What is your line of work/ previous line of work?
I am a self-taught artist and a university lecturer on Romanian literature and culture.
What are your passions/ interests?
First is art. But I like reading and walking.
Anything else?
Looking forward to exploring mark-making with new clients. Everyone brings something different to the workshop, so each workshop is unique.
A Note From Catching Lives
Miriam Ellis, Activity Coordinator at Catching Lives, said: "Alex has been delivering Nervous Drawing workshops at Catching Lives for a few years now, and his impact has been really inspiring. His sessions are consistently well-attended and full of creative energy, with participants happily engaged throughout.
"Clients often speak of how much they enjoy his sessions, and the quality of the work produced is a testament to his skill as a teacher and his encouragement. Over the years, we've been proud to showcase the artwork from his sessions at various exhibitions, which have been a real celebration of both creativity and community."
A Catching Lives client added: "After three years, Nervous Drawing is still going strong. The main reason is it's so simple, as Alex says, "There are no mistakes".
"Everyone who takes part are made to feel equal, and many good works have been produced. Alex is a very passionate tutor, and it remains one of the best activities at Catching Lives. Long may it continue!"
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