The Star by Hackney Downs, 20 February 2024

In a multiverse of infinite possibility, the planets are aligning auspiciously for Drawing the Star. The Star by Hackney Downs venue has repainted its first-floor event room and installed new lighting, more artists have been attending sessions in recent weeks, and an exhibition of the group’s work was opening at Bodega Gallery on 7 March.

Little wonder group organiser Catherine Hall seemed positively aglow when I arrived for this evening’s booking. It was a positivity I felt well disposed to reciprocate, as our connection goes back a long way. In harmony with the positive changes, some things remained reassuringly consistent – our first half pose times, for example.

We began 5 minutes, 4 minutes, 3 minutes, 2 minutes, 1 minute, 1 minute, 1 minute, 30 seconds, 30 seconds, 30 seconds, 10 minutes, and 10 minutes to our break. For the final half-hour, a vote on preferences for long or short poses was inconclusive so we compromised: one 10-minute pose and one 20-minute pose to the finish.

As usual at the end, artworks were placed upon the floor for general admiration. This time, however, the talk was about which drawings could be added to the exhibition. It warms the heart. My only sadness was that the timing of a trip abroad meant I would not be able to attend the gallery myself.

This session came 12 days before the 10-year anniversary of my first time modelling for one of Catherine’s groups, on 3 March 2014. Back then I blogged: “let’s hope the classes continue and become a popular success.” Continue they did across various settings, and the future looks rosy indeed. It’s been a privilege to share the journey.