One Boat pre-empts Foxon's guide to green sketching joy

New Pan Mac sustainability imprint One Boat has pre-empted a green sketching guide book from Dr Ali Foxon for harnessing the joys of nature, creativity and mindfulness.

Publisher Carole Tonkinson acquired world English rights to The Green Sketching Handbook: A Field Guide for Joy-Spotters from Rachel Mills, at Rachel Mills Literary Ltd. It will publish in September 2021.

The synopsis explains: “It’s a well-kept secret that the best way to see something is to sketch it. The trouble is most of us are convinced we can’t draw and haven’t time to learn. The idea of keeping a beautifully illustrated nature journal seems intimidating and unrealistic. But there’s a solution — combining practical exercises with the latest research on nature connection, wellbeing and creativity, climate change adviser turned artist Dr Ali Foxon will inspire you to pick up a pencil with her inspiring green sketching approach.”

Foxon is a geographer, artist and founder of an art movement called green sketching that is inspiring adults and children to use sketching to reconnect with nature and look after their mental health. Earlier in her career, she worked as a climate change adviser, researcher and scientific editor with a wide range of organisations, including the UK water industry and the United Nations Environment Programme. She has a PhD in climate change and nature conservation, and two further degrees in geography from the University of Oxford.

She said: “I’m thrilled to be joining the exciting new One Boat list. Green sketching can change our relationship with nature, by helping us see, enjoy and appreciate our beautiful world with fresh eyes. It has huge potential as an affordable and accessible tool for wellbeing and nature connection. That's why I'm delighted Carole Tonkinson is going to help me bring this important book to life; I know green sketching couldn’t be in safer hands. Together we are going to try and save the world, one doodle at a time!”

Tonkinson added: ‘‘I was completely gripped to hear how Ali moved from working as an environmental expert with leading organisations around the world to teaching ordinary people how to sketch in nature, advocating a far more personal connection with nature as a starting point. We have all known the facts about climate change for decades and yet knowledge alone has failed to truly influence behaviour for the better. Ali’s work provides a bridge. Instead of trying to inspire professionals in a board room, Ali shows people from all walks of life how to cultivate a personal, healing and heartfelt connection with the natural world. Quiet moments observing and sketching are the gateway to a more respectful, sustainable attitude to the environment that can add up to a tremendous positive change.’’