MASK MAKING:
Discover the ancient art of identity through the mask. Participants explore the inner and outer presentation of the self through poetry, research, writing, and experiential art. Ancient cultural interpretation of masking is researched and discussed. This workshop focuses on creating a realistic plaster replica of the face. Participants create their own mask using plaster gauze strips which are applied in layers to duplicate facial features.
After the mask is set, several poems from Sylvia Plath to Richard Dunbar are examined and discussed. Participants then create phrases to describe themselves beneath the mask (the self most known inwardly) and collage them to the inside of the mask.
Next,participants create color and symbols that illustrate them outwardly and embellish the exterior of the mask. Participants create poems or narratives entitled “Beneath the Mask.” This workshop can be extended to a dramatic mask performance. (3-5 days recommended). Also, there are variations of the plaster cast mask. Alternatives to the mask is body casting, especially for mother's-to-be. The belly is cast in later pregnancy, and the mother uses symbols, colors, collage, to embellish the casting as a keepsake of not only her body but also the thoughts, hopes, and dreams about the soon to be born baby.
Discover the ancient art of identity through the mask. Participants explore the inner and outer presentation of the self through poetry, research, writing, and experiential art. Ancient cultural interpretation of masking is researched and discussed. This workshop focuses on creating a realistic plaster replica of the face. Participants create their own mask using plaster gauze strips which are applied in layers to duplicate facial features.
After the mask is set, several poems from Sylvia Plath to Richard Dunbar are examined and discussed. Participants then create phrases to describe themselves beneath the mask (the self most known inwardly) and collage them to the inside of the mask.
Next,participants create color and symbols that illustrate them outwardly and embellish the exterior of the mask. Participants create poems or narratives entitled “Beneath the Mask.” This workshop can be extended to a dramatic mask performance. (3-5 days recommended). Also, there are variations of the plaster cast mask. Alternatives to the mask is body casting, especially for mother's-to-be. The belly is cast in later pregnancy, and the mother uses symbols, colors, collage, to embellish the casting as a keepsake of not only her body but also the thoughts, hopes, and dreams about the soon to be born baby.
MANDALAS:
Discover the art of the sacred circle, one of the most potent symbols of humankind. Its circular form and concentric structure reflect the shape of the universe outside and the sense of perfection within. In one workshop, participants explore the discovery of the sun and shadow sides of identity exhibited
through a radial design within the mandala. Another workshop stresses the goals and resolution desired in one’s life with a mandala manifesting these ideals through color, images, and collage. The final artwork is a mandala that is viewed as an inward mirror manifesting the possibilities. Businesses and groups can develop this art form to coalesce goals, beliefs, and unity. Each participant creates a slice of the circle that when put together creates a unifying mandala expressing the company or group individually yet wholly.
Discover the art of the sacred circle, one of the most potent symbols of humankind. Its circular form and concentric structure reflect the shape of the universe outside and the sense of perfection within. In one workshop, participants explore the discovery of the sun and shadow sides of identity exhibited
through a radial design within the mandala. Another workshop stresses the goals and resolution desired in one’s life with a mandala manifesting these ideals through color, images, and collage. The final artwork is a mandala that is viewed as an inward mirror manifesting the possibilities. Businesses and groups can develop this art form to coalesce goals, beliefs, and unity. Each participant creates a slice of the circle that when put together creates a unifying mandala expressing the company or group individually yet wholly.
WORD WEAVINGS:
Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences through writing and art exercises.Each writing and art begins as Rousseau’s concept of the “blank slate.” The spatial, linguistic, analytical, musical, kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalistic intelligences are discovered through abstract art, freewriting, music, and paint.
The finished art is then woven into individual paper quilts. Poems/narratives are composed and attached to the backside of the paper framed wordweaving.This workshop can be adjusted to focus on varying themes. (family, philosophy, women’s issues, faith, friendship, etc.) The collection can be an exhibit with weavings hung from the ceiling separately or in groups accompanied with readings composed during the process. (3-5 days rec.)
Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences through writing and art exercises.Each writing and art begins as Rousseau’s concept of the “blank slate.” The spatial, linguistic, analytical, musical, kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalistic intelligences are discovered through abstract art, freewriting, music, and paint.
The finished art is then woven into individual paper quilts. Poems/narratives are composed and attached to the backside of the paper framed wordweaving.This workshop can be adjusted to focus on varying themes. (family, philosophy, women’s issues, faith, friendship, etc.) The collection can be an exhibit with weavings hung from the ceiling separately or in groups accompanied with readings composed during the process. (3-5 days rec.)
SPILLING OVER:
Discover the self inquiry of life’s happiest and most tragic landscapes through guided writing, photography, and art exercises. Participants will create a personal journal of poetry, color, and insights that personify essential moments in life’s journey. Color, symbols, sketching, and words are integrated into the book with a folded pocket holding secret texts created by each artist. The final project is an accordion folded book with a slipcase as a keepsake of this passage. (3-5 days)
Discover the self inquiry of life’s happiest and most tragic landscapes through guided writing, photography, and art exercises. Participants will create a personal journal of poetry, color, and insights that personify essential moments in life’s journey. Color, symbols, sketching, and words are integrated into the book with a folded pocket holding secret texts created by each artist. The final project is an accordion folded book with a slipcase as a keepsake of this passage. (3-5 days)
BOOK OF HOURS:
During the Medieval Period, small texts called “The Book of Hours” were originally created to herald the times of the day that coincided with hourly church bells. People would open their Book of Hours, contemplate, meditate, and read the calligraphy that was intricately illuminated with artistic imagery. In this workshop we adapt the Book of Hours. Each day of the week is divided into exploring the art of visualizing through reflection, remembering, and collecting daily artifacts that highlights experiences . Each day’s discover will result in the creation of a personal motto combined with insights discovered through the process of writing, bookmaking, reveries, and the process of writing, bookmaking, introspection, and art. The finished art is a 5-7 page codex highlighting each day’s experiences. A fold cradles daily artifacts. This is a great way to record vacations, tours, or personal explorations. (3-5 days recommended)
During the Medieval Period, small texts called “The Book of Hours” were originally created to herald the times of the day that coincided with hourly church bells. People would open their Book of Hours, contemplate, meditate, and read the calligraphy that was intricately illuminated with artistic imagery. In this workshop we adapt the Book of Hours. Each day of the week is divided into exploring the art of visualizing through reflection, remembering, and collecting daily artifacts that highlights experiences . Each day’s discover will result in the creation of a personal motto combined with insights discovered through the process of writing, bookmaking, reveries, and the process of writing, bookmaking, introspection, and art. The finished art is a 5-7 page codex highlighting each day’s experiences. A fold cradles daily artifacts. This is a great way to record vacations, tours, or personal explorations. (3-5 days recommended)
MARBLING:
Discover the antique art of suminagashi, ebru, or paper marbling. The origin and development of
marbling was practiced in Japan as early as the 12th century. Later, delicate, swirled patterns were
produced on paper when colors were floated on the surface of a thickened solution. After the paint
was dropped into the water, a stylus or comb was used to create patterns. This workshop combines the art of paper marbling with an extended creative exercise entitled “What the Color Had to Say.” A poem is developed through the writing process and self-published in a hand made accordion book constructed from each participant’s marbled paper. This workshop is easily adaptable to any topic preference. (Bookmaking, scrapbooking papers, science, memory books, etc.) 3-5 days is recommended.
Discover the antique art of suminagashi, ebru, or paper marbling. The origin and development of
marbling was practiced in Japan as early as the 12th century. Later, delicate, swirled patterns were
produced on paper when colors were floated on the surface of a thickened solution. After the paint
was dropped into the water, a stylus or comb was used to create patterns. This workshop combines the art of paper marbling with an extended creative exercise entitled “What the Color Had to Say.” A poem is developed through the writing process and self-published in a hand made accordion book constructed from each participant’s marbled paper. This workshop is easily adaptable to any topic preference. (Bookmaking, scrapbooking papers, science, memory books, etc.) 3-5 days is recommended.