NEW SUMMER WORKSHOPS AT THE VANCOUVER ISLAND SCHOOL OF ART

The Vancouver Island School of Art is pleased to present the following previously unannounced weekend workshops taught by our beloved regular instructors:

The Artists’ Signature: Theory and Practice -(ABC252-JL06)

Instructor John Luna

This intensive workshop combines hands-on studio practice with a stimulating overview of the history of the painted signature in the Western Tradition. Lectures examine the work of both traditional and contemporary signaturistes such as Lovis Corinth, J.A.M. Whistler, Robert Ryman and Bob Ross. Class projects will include handwriting analysis and exercises in signature colour, slant, scale, proportion and placement. Historical background and biographies from the period will help create a sense of immediacy and connection with this vital -and too often overlooked- aspect of painting. Some very advanced experience recommended.

Discipline in The Darkroom –(PH200-DD06) instructor d bradley muir

This course is an introduction to traditional black and white film photography methods and techniques, as well as good-old fashioned etiquette, self-respect, and elbow grease. Students learn the technical basics of their camera, film processing, and making prints in the darkroom, as well as receiving a refresher in punctuality and tidiness. Students are encouraged to arrive on time, having done their homework. Stragglers, slackers, and n’ere-do-wells will be given a tour of the newly outfitted VISA Woodshed (see March newsletter) for further discussion. This course is perfect for students who have no previous photography experience, and for whom boot camp has always seemed intriguing.

Found Form Fondling –(SC140-FF06) instructor Megan Dickie

This course is a technical resource embracing a variety of methods of handling any material your roving hands may come across. A number of modes of tactile interface are taught, including tweaking, rubbing, plucking, tickling, and poking. Students will practice with a variety of materials including fur, leather, wax, resin and rubber, before venturing out into the field in search of new sensations. Lectures and slide presentations provide an overview of both traditional and contemporary fondling as well as valuable tips on related issues such as crowded elevators, clothing store security guards and latex allergies.

The Sensually Graduated Edge In the Contemporary Contrasting Field (PA999-XSP06) instructor Xane St. Phillip

This course pays attention to qualities of painting so abstract that they may only exist in theory. Students experiment with the application of paint on a surface to create an atmosphere that simultaneously contrasts the tactile and the sublime. Using historical and contemporary approaches, as well as approaches which have yet to be invented, students look towards light as a point of departure for exploring a range of eyewear options. An understanding about the effectiveness of colour and composition in painting (see Understanding Colour I-XXV) is recommended.

Cave Painting (CV160-FA06) instructor Jan Gates

In this course participants learn to create drawings and paintings after the manner of ancient anonymous masters of Lascaux. Using sections of cave wall imported directly from rural France, students learn the fundamentals of rendering animal fat, burning sticks and smearing dried blood. This is an ideal course for both the beginning and intermediate Neanderthals.

Renaissance Poisons (RX160-JG06) instructor Jan Gates

This weekend workshop provides an introduction to the Renaissance poison-making techniques. Participants have an opportunity to travel in the footsteps of historical figures such as the Borgias and Papacy, learning the basics, as they would have done; preparing meals for infirm relatives, storing powders in trick jewellery, and building up a personal immunity to a wide range of deadly toxins. Some CPR experience is recommended. Class-size is limited to 8 students and numbers may dwindle. Costs include a $50 material fee to cover the cost of materials (payable directly to instructor) and signing of several release forms.

Collaging with Compost: Mystery Excursion (CC111-PU06) instructor Wendy Welch

This one-day collage workshop combines adventure and ‘mixed media’ in the truest sense of the words, using the very versatile and fun medium of found objects in a state of putrescent decay. The instructor takes a group of students to an undisclosed outdoor location (The Heartland Land Fill) within the very ‘activated’ surface of the earth itself! There is a $20 material fee, which includes a hardhat in attractive VISA school colours.

Window Washing: A Contemporary Approach (WW121-WW06) instructor Wendy Welch

This creative water media workshop introduces the methods and processes involved in washing the school’s many beautiful windows. Through exercises and the use of very tall ladders, students learn to understand the basics of cleaner application and squeegee work, creating patterns and designs all the more beautiful for their transient, ephemeral nature. This is an excellent workshop for those looking to work in a more free and expressive way, while washing windows.

J.L.