Tuesday, January 17, 2017

A few teaching gigs

The beginning of the year is such an interesting time to stop and look at the shape of the year ahead.  I love having a sense of the year's shape - the outline, the sketched in bits that tell me a bit about where I'll be and what I'll be doing.  I'm not quite sure why that matters to me, given that the year usually takes me on a roller coast of a ride that I could never have planned for!

Still, I am looking at the year 2017 and there are commissions due, conferences to run and attend, exhibitions to view, an open studio to have, teaching gigs here and there and the Celebration of Books to help coordinate. Looks interesting!

A quick shot from my website page 'Workshops' where you can find most of the details.


I have three workshops booked in already - the first is next month in Toowoomba.  I will be teaching a new workshop "Building Narrative in Artists' Books".

Here's the blurb:

When we make a book ourselves we are often thrilled that we have made the container – and pay less attention to what is contained. This workshop will focus on building narrative in your book-making, encouraging you to find ways to use the book form to tell a story – short and sweet, simple or complex, political or fairytale. 

We will explore techniques to offer readers an interesting experience. The book will use a simple binding, and focus more on the content and sequence, using techniques to encourage enquiry and interest in the reading. We will make a small book with a cover. 



I think it is important for us to stop and think about what we are trying to say with a book; and to pay attention to Structure, Content, Materials and Sequence. I am looking forward to sharing my thinking with an enthusiastic group and to see what they do!

My second workshop of the year, is in June, with a return to Wrapt in Rocky, for a 3-Day Wrapt Retreat.

I will once again be teaching "Quietly and Gently" but modified from 5 days to 3 days.



The blurb goes:

Sometimes we just need to be quiet, to slow down and be peaceful. 

 This workshop will explore the beauty and elegance of working white on white. The limited palette provides both challenges and opportunities, with serene outcomes. Working on paper, you will have the opportunity to explore a myriad of ways to create texture and meaning on paper, using different materials and techniques. Embossing, printing, cutting, lettering and stitching will all form part of the week, and bookmaking will bring it all together. 

Participants will create a sample book of techniques as well as a light slipcase to protect the book. Suitable for all levels.

Feel free to contact Wrapt in Rocky here if you are interested in attending.

The third workshop of the year is booked in, but is a mystery workshop!  We haven't decided just what I will teach; but I am booked in with the Calligraphers of South East Queensland in October.



You can find updates and details on the 'Workshops' page here on my blog and on my website.

6 comments:

  1. I wish I could come and take either of these workshops. I look forward to seeing what your students will produce.

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    1. That would be fun Jac! I always love seeing what students do - I learn so much. Will share as much as I can, go well.

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  2. love the pared back to the essence elegance in your work

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    1. Thanks Mo, it is pretty much all I can do it seems...but it keeps me happy. Go well.

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  3. I want to put my hand up and say put my name down for the first course! Ironically it is one I am attempting to teach myself in March and I know we will come at the same subject in such different ways. I have struggled with my regular group to get the concept of content over structure before but I can't ship them all to Australia for a masterclass so they'll have to make do with me. Have fun with them and do share the results!

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    1. What a hoot Lesley - wouldn't it be fun to drop in on each other's classes somehow? It will be great to compare notes so I'll let you know how I go. I think we fall in love with the idea that we can make a book - and forget that we might really tell a story...enjoy! I'm sure your will be an equally masterclassy event.

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I appreciate your thoughts and comments; thanks for taking the time.