Drawing by hand gives form to thought. For most artists and designers, sketching remains essential to a lifelong practice, from which the works in this exhibition emerge. Some are studies for specific projects, others are quick attempts to test a form or record a thought. They belong to the working process, and shown together, they offer a view into the creative mind at work.

This first exhibition in Piscina’s new gallery space brings focus to that process. These works are made by hand and reflect the direct relationship between artists and the marks of inspiration.

This Design Week, rather than focus on finished works, Piscina is leaning into the desire to look at the early stages, the initial impulse, the testing of ideas, and the way thinking takes shape on paper before a finished piece is made. What’s compelling in this exhibition is the insight into individual practices and ways of thinking, a peek behind the curtain of how ideas were formed.

The works range from informal notes, sketches and material studies to drawings of developed pieces as part of the process. They function as records of thought in progress, where ideas are formed and adjusted. While many began as private working material, presented together they offer an intimate view into each individual artist’s approach.

Select finished works will also be on view alongside related drawings by Luke Malaney, Pat Kim, Matt Byrd, Garnier Pingree, Forrest Lewinger, Devin Wild, Steven Bukowski, Natalie Shook, Ford Bostwick, and Adam Cutts, creating a direct connection between drawing and the built work.