Terezie Tomková

10.44 The Chatty Sketchbook: A Journey Inward Through a Poetic Play with Visual and Literary Tools (Workshop)

Terezie Tomková – Faculty of Education, Palacký University Olomouc; Faculty of Fine Arts, Brno University of Technology, Czech Republic

Abstract:

How can drawing and painting without the pressure on performance create space for a dialogue with oneself? What role do visual prompts, words, and silence play in the process of self-discovery? This workshop, led by visual artist Terezie Tomková, introduces her original educational tool The Chatty Sketchbook, which combines her playful illustrations, words, and poetically, creatively, or nonsensically conceived creative tasks.

The Chatty Sketchbook was created as one of many tools for mental hygiene and creative support featured on the Caring for Myself platform. Developed in collaboration with Petra Šobáňová, the sketchbook finds application both in school settings and in personal development.

Participants will be introduced to the principles of this unique “game,” which is based on spontaneous drawing, active imagination, and reflective writing. The workshop will offer both printed and digital versions of the original material. In the practical part, participants will try out a series of exercises that foster creativity, inner focus, visual imagination, and verbal expression of experience – without being evaluated and with an emphasis on a safe and supportive environment.