Collage Workshop

DESCRIPTION
Collage, of course, is an art form in and of itself, but it can also be a “laboratory of ideas” wherein an artist or designer can conduct experiments in form and content that can later be transferred to another medium like painting or quiltmaking. Its improvisational character provokes visual surprise, allowing for chance events and the unconscious mind to intervene in the creative process. Making collages sharpens formal skills in composition, color and shape making while highlighting one’s individual creative preferences and inclinations.

What Participants Will Be Doing
The workshop will begin with a few initial assignments to establish some useful techniques and reveal the creative tendencies of each student. As the class progresses, students will pursue a personal direction in their work with guidance and encouragement from the instructor. By the end of the week, everyone will have accumulated a small portfolio of collages that can form the nucleus of continued independent study after the workshop has ended. The classroom atmosphere will be relaxed and experimental, with each participant working at their own pace. Studio work will be augmented by group and individual critiques, discussions and slide presentations that examine the history of collage and contemporary examples of the idiom.

This course is not for beginners - participants should have some experience in a prior workshop and/or some ongoing art practice in any two-dimensional medium, e.g. quiltmaking, surface design, painting, drawing, or collage.

SUPPLY LIST (Please label your own supplies.)
The materials needed for this course will not be expensive; the cost will be approximately $80-$100. The instructor will bring archival support paper that you will be able to purchase by the sheet as needed. The other supplies you should bring to class are:
• A bone folder for burnishing.
• A one-inch wide flat soft bristle brush for painting color swatches.
• A ruler.
• A water container.
• A 16 ounce Jar of Goldens Gel Medium - regular gel (matte) (approximately $25)
• A gluing brush; can be a one-inch house painting brush from a hardware store.
• A variety of colors in water-based paint. Recommended: acryla gouache or matte acrylic.

Other materials that you may want to bring:
• A variety of brushes you may already have.
• Printed papers, e.g. wall paper or wrapping paper you may want to experiment with.
• Photos of things or textures from magazines if you want to try photomontage.
• Drawing tools, e.g. charcoal, ink, bamboo drawing brushes, pens, colored pencils etc.

If you have any questions about the materials list or the course in general, please > email David