Edited by: Jo Ann L.B. Duggins
Full Name: Molly Crabapple
Age: 25
Currently Residing: Brooklyn. NY
Currently Listening to: Johnny Cash
In 2005, Molly Crabapple started up a Brooklyn drawing club called Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School that is dedicated to a new type of artistic endeavor. With Dr. Sketchy’s, the artist is taken out of the classroom, the model is dressed in thematic costumes, and everybody is amped up with libations and contests. Since it’s inception, Dr. Sketchsy has marched across the globe. With communities now in Bogata, Rome, London, Tokyo (just to name a few), Molly has been able to expand her vision considerably. I am proud to say that I have had a small part in that expansion by bringing Dr.Sketchy’s to my hometown: Richmond Virginia. On the second Wednesday of each month, I have the pleasure of playing headmistress to Dr. Sketchy’s at Gallery 5 Our first session brought in nearly 70 artists hungry for this new type of drawing session.When I decided it was time to expand Sugar Shack Burlesque down South, I thought of Dr. Sketchy’s for two reasons. First in a communal effort to continue the good and inspirational endeavors of others and secondly as an artist looking for a role model. Dr.Sketchy’s creates a special atmosphere where all are welcomed and anything is possible. Molly has shown the power and achievement that can come from trusting your vision in the hands of likeminded individuals. Dr. Sketchy’s proves that we are not limited to one town, one venue, one country. We can nestle our art into the bosom of any town we fancy!
I offer you now Miss Crabapple’s words of wisdom. If you’re in Richmond, come to Gallery 5 (200 Marshall St.) the second Wednesday of every month from 6-9pm. The art monkeys in NYC can find her every Sat. hosting Dr. Sketchy’s at the Slipper Room from 4-7pm. If there isn’t one in your area – get in touch with Molly through her website – because really, who doesn’t want to play the part of Headmistress from time to time?
Xo
Who is Dr. Sketchy?
When I initially conceived him, Dr. Sketchy was our mascot, a perverse
Viennese shrink kicked out of Freud's inner circle. He's also John
Leavitt after a few drinks
(writer’s note: John Leavitt, along with Molly, leads the NYC drawing sessions.)
What has been your biggest challenge as an entrepreneur?
While I love creating and promoting content, organizing it has never
been my strong point. Luckily, I now have a bunch of folks to help
me with that.
How do you stay motivated?
I am absolutely unemployable at this point- too mouthy and impudent.
It's either entrepreneurship or the gutter.
How do you ensure the integrity of Dr. Sketchy as the franchise spreads?
I choose great people to bring the Dr. Sketchy's brand to their
cities, provide them detailed outlines of how to do it, and check in
alot. However, I realize that no truly international movement can
(or should!) be the same in every place. Our Dr. Sketchy's branch in
Bogota is quite different from our branch in Rome, and that's the way
it should be.
What advice would you give to another artist delving into the world of
organized business?
I'd tell them that marketing is more similar to sticking to a fitness
plan than creating a painting. You have to commit to doing a series
of boring tasks every day. Think consistency and attention to
minutia.
What essential qualities to you think an artist needs to possess?
Hmm... I'd say the biggest one is motivation. If you can't make
yourself create every day for hours on end, you're a hobbyist, not an
artist
What is your impression of the Richmond arts community compared to other
cities (based off of your experiences on tour)?
Well, I was only in Richmond for a day and a half, but I absolutely
love Ward at Chop Suey, and I'm thrilled to see you're starting to get
a burlesque community there. Also, Style Weekly was quite kind to me.
Do you have any plans for more publications in addition to the Coloring
Book?
Me and my partner in crime John Leavitt are currently working on Scarlett
Takes Manhattan, a tale of love and corruption in the 1880's NYC
vaudeville world. Fugu Press is releasing it in July.
What are your goals for the future both as a business woman and an artist?
I would love to bring my art to a more international audience. One of
my proudest moments last year was lecturing and performing in Kiasma
Museum of Contemporary Art in Helsinki. I'd also love to do more
theatrical design. And, as I say in every interview, my fingers are
crossed that someday Dr. Sketchy's will hit Antarctica.
What have been some of your favorite themes?
George Orwell. Queen Elizabeth, Bettie Page. Meta-Dr. Sketchy's.
Dr. Sketchy's is very respectful of the model.
How did your experience as
an artist model inform the structure of Dr. Sketchys?
When I modeled, I felt that the classes, while educational, treated
the models more as anatomical demos that whole humans. While one of
course needs to learn anatomy, I felt that it was a waste to treat
models in such a clinical way. I started Dr. Sketchy's both to
celebrate the models' personalities and pay a much higher than average
wage.
Many people have a difficult time relinquishing control of a project they
created.
How difficult is it to allow others to lead Dr. Sketchys in other
cities across the globe?
It wasn't difficult for me. It's impossible to maintain complete
control of any project that you want to be huge.
Dr. Sketchy's exists in many countries. Have you experienced any language
barriers and how did you transcend them?
Yes- in France. While our Parisian organizer, Sorrel, is originally
from California, building a Parisian audience was originally hindered
by the fact that most of our promo materials were in English.
Luckily, we've been getting increasing amounts of French language
press, and that's really helped cross the barrier. The organizer of
our Tokyo branch, Lady Elle, has also done an amazing job translating
our materials into Japanese and reaching over the gaijin-native
divide.
Are there any other thoughts you'd like to share?
I would say "anything is possible if you work hard and believe in
yourself." Tacky but true. Also, high school is NOT the best time in
your life.
Do you have a favorite joke? Can you share it with us?
I do have a favorite joke, but I think it might get me in trouble.
Find her here, ladies and gentlemen:
www.mollycrabapple.com
Gibson Girls Gone Bad
Dr Sketchy's Official Rainy Day Colouring Book!
www.drsketchy.com/book.php
Cabaret Life Drawing
www.drsketchy.com
Here's a little glimpse into the world of Dr. Sketchy's:
Dr. Sketchy's - Bettie Page Tribute Session from William Zoe FitzGerald on Vimeo.