So, very soon now (YAY!!) I’ll be on my way to the Art & Soul Art Retreat in Hampton, VA again for a week of classes and after class mingling – if I can muster the energy! This year’s theme will be Rock’n'Roll (last year’s was By the Sea). I am so excited again! Last year’s retreat was awesome, and this year I’m taking even more classes – 5 in all (a short description follows).
I’m going to be veeeeery tired and hopefully very satisfied and sated (pass that cigarette, please) when I get back! The trip comes after my month long return to writing poetry at PFFA for NaPoWriMo (National Poetry Writing Month) – 30 poems, one a day, during April. aiy. AIY! I will inevitably be brain dead mush creatively when I get back.
Here’s a link to Art & Soul – http://www.artandsoulretreat.com/
Michael deMeng – (his classes are tons of fun!) all day Thurs 4/30 – “What a Relief” – “Using old frames, old photographs (or paintings), along with doll parts and other three dimensional objects we will give the illusion that are portraits are trying to join the fun in the 3rd dimension.”
Michel deMeng – all day Fri 5/1 – “Matchbox Vignettes” – “In this class we will use these tiny vessels to house little scenes or vignettes. The cast of characters will include tiny little men from model train sets or architect models. Using a mixture of collage and assemblage we will create little realms for these Lilliputians to dwell in. While we are at it we may even change our little dudes…perhaps wings, perhaps giving them a snake body…their world is in your hands…literally.”
Leighanna Light – Thurs/Fri eves – “The Scarlet Onion – Adventures in Texture and Deisgn – In this workshop we will explore the relationship between clay, ink, canvas, gesso & found objects. The first night of the class will be spent forming the clay around the canvas & creating multiple textures on the surface. You will learn about composition, object placement, working with clay & a variety of ways to create interesting texture. We will allow the canvases to dry overnight & the following night will be spent applying color & adding the finishing touches to your work. You will leave with at least 2 (3 if you work fast) gorgeous pieces of original art & a variety of new techniques, tips & tricks to add to your work.
Sat – I’m off – I’ll need it to crash! but I will go to Vendor’s night for what could be a dangerous night as I will probably be fighting off the temptation to spend way, way, way too much money on supplies and objects de art.
Richard Salley – all day Sun 5/3 – Basic Bezels for Found Objects – “One of the challenges in making ‘Found Object’ jewelry is how to properly showcase the object and a bezel is often the best solution for this problem. In this class we will explore a variety of ways to make and use bezels. Whether paper, plastic, wood or metal we will find a way to make a bezel to frame your special object. You can then use the completed piece to create a pendant, or brooch…or combine several pieces into a necklace or bracelet.”
Thomas Ashmann – all day Mon 5/4 – Glass & Copper Journal – “In this class,students will create a larger version (approx. 6″ x 8″ x 2″) of my glass and metal journal with its unique “no-sew” binding. Vintage photos on transparencies float behind baroque-swirled, stained glass and are held in place by a torch and patina altered, hardware-intensive, frame of copper plumber’s tape. The cover and spine of this book is completely fabricated “from scratch” by the students. Add some chain and a few beads and charms, even bring your own personalized transparency (5″ x 7″) to make this book uniquely your own. Techniques taught include cutting, torching, and alteration of metal with chemical patinas, as well as my original binding which, once mastered, can be adapted to make books in many different sizes and from other materials. “
I will try to post some pictures when I get back, and write up a synopsis of all the goings-on. Here’s a link to pictures of what I made last year – http://www.flickr.com/photos/cookala/sets/72157603259542154/
