Collage: Layered Stories

Course Description

In this workshop we will investigate a broad definition of drawing and collage, material exploration and content development. I encourage artists to work with myriad materials and a concept-based approach. Projects may be quiet or eye-catching, use colorful patterns or be monochromatic, the pieces can be stitched or glued. No doubt, expressive mark making develops over time through technique and experimentation but which may be jump-started with this class. Knowledge of, and introduction to contemporary artists is important to see the breadth and depth of what can be possible and accomplished. Projects will be artist driven, based on personal ideas/thoughts/memories/life experiences. As a participant in this workshop you, the artist set a criterion that will help to contextualize meaning from both historical and contemporary sources in your life. Each artist will create an artwork in two dimensions, using multiple materials to experiment with imagery, layers, colors, and patterns. This project may lead you to the development of more complex and possibly larger works in your studios after the workshop is completed. 

Objectives: to experiment and try out the various processes like:

• Cutting, attaching, sewing, drawing, beading, embroidery, encaustic
• Explore additive and subtractive processes
• Explore personal content – memories, thoughts, experiences

Plan to gather before you arrive: a photo, a letter, a patterned fabric fragment with memories connected to a loved one, a postcard or a memento you received from a friend, etc. Remember each one of us has a different life and everyone has current or past memories that remind us of community, family, friendships, love and loss. Additional suggestions: pressed flowers, jewelry, letters, buttons, torn fabric, friendship bands, photocopies, old books to cut, maps, etc.