ART FOR THE "NON-ARTIST"
Artistic Trading Cards/Mini Masterpieces
Artists Trading Cards are miniature artworks about the same size as modern trading cards or baseball cards, (2 1⁄2 by 3 1⁄2 inches). Starting with a large sheet of paper that has been taped out in a grid, participants are encouraged to use the whole sheet of paper, not focus on individual rectangles. The magic happens when the tape is removed, revealing a series of mini-masterpieces.
To loosen everyone up, we like to start the project as a team building exercise – swapping the sheets of paper during the process...everyone gets a hand in every piece. Then continue the workshop as everyone gets their own sheet of paper.
Wall hanging created by cards pulled from the team artworks.
Talismans
At the beginning of the workshop, we will set individual intentions for how we want our creation empower us. What do we want to bring into our lives? Joy, Abundance, Permission? Bring a meaningful stone, shell or other objet of your own as the basis of your talisman. We will provide fabric, yarn, thread, glue, beads and other materials to share. Feel free to bring bits of things of your own to add to your talisman.
Recycled Sweater Creatures
Starting with stick armatures that suggest an animal, participants will fill out the shape with aluminum foil and masking tape, molding bodies onto the armature. We then wrap them in strips of old sweaters (we will provide some or bring your own!) to create their “skin”. Wrap them in yarn, and add bead eyes, ornamenting them as you’d like with materials provided.
Altered Bookmaking
We will provide a number of reclaimed books as well as materials such as paint, pastels, and scissors for altering. Participants can go through the books and find one that calls to them, or inspires deeper thought. They can also bring a meaningful book from their personal library. The written words and images act as starting points, providing participants with the structure and opportunity to eliminate, change, or maintain the existing contents. They can be mounted onto board with collaged backgrounds or remain as a book that can be opened and closed. Folding the pages into a lantern shape is extremely meditative! We encourage participants to also bring personal photos, memorabilia and ephemera to add to their book.
Oil Pastel Abstracts
Did you know that oil pastels are one of the easiest mediums to work with? By using mineral oil, it can be blended like paint. By adding chalk pastels and pencil to the surface, a number of marks can be achieved, and the results are never bad or wrong. Working in a small format, you can release your creativity in the fluid and fast-paced workshop.
Ink Wash Landscapes
Wet paper, black ink, a wet brush and a straight edged card. That is all you need to make a lovely, monotone landscape. There is no wrong way of doing it. Plenty of watercolor paper will be provided to make these haunting images.
Mini Books
Start with your own writing, something you overheard, and funny expression that you like, or use something that already exists. Cut it up from found text, or handwrite it in your book. Illustrate your words however you want, or use the words themselves as illustration. Give some thought to words or writings that you like before you come, and bring your word resources. We will provide paper, colored pencils, needle and thread, ephemera and embellishments and encourage you to bring your own.