It has been such a pleasure hearing from you.
Many of you have shared that you returned to your studios full of new ideas and fresh ways of working. Others have shared how bonds of friendship were created during the Retreat, and that cultivating the "network" ties has helped solidify a sense of community.
-Has anyone started creating work in a different way? --perhaps incorporating some of the ideas that were demonstrated?
-Any changes or inspiration for new self promotion or marketing plans?
I'd love to hear more!
--Cari
Gathering...Community...Connection
I am truly grateful for being a part of this Retreat and Conference. Dare I say that it was a magical convergence...a peaceful setting, fascinating and generous talent spending time in lecture/conversation/demonstration, & FUN (thanks for the vote of confidence on the "build it..." Rodney...your enthusiasm was a delight!!)...great meals...and the weather was divine!Most of all, the kind and generous spirit that was prevalent throughout the Retreat helped foster a true sense of community...The relaxing environment cultivated our connections with one another, what an amazing group!
I am so grateful for the generosity of our lecturers; Kathan Brown, Richard Frumess, & Heather Hutchison. IEA members Tracey Adams, Miles Conrad, Chris Paschke, & Lissa Rankin contributed time and energy in panel discussions and demonstrations that inspired the entire group! We also had several "activities" that roused the group into creative expression, practicing the "art" of non-attachment, as well as good 'ol fashioned relaxation. Thank you to each one of you that took the time to be a part of this event, I'm looking forward to spending time together next year! If you were unable to attend this year, I truly hope that you will be a part of the next Retreat.This was my second Retreat to "concept" and direct...my finale will be next year: IEA Retreat & Conference 2009; October 1-4th 2009, Carmel Valley,Ca....I'll have more information on that after I finish unpacking my car and reassembling my studio
-Cari Hernandez
I am so grateful for the generosity of our lecturers; Kathan Brown, Richard Frumess, & Heather Hutchison. IEA members Tracey Adams, Miles Conrad, Chris Paschke, & Lissa Rankin contributed time and energy in panel discussions and demonstrations that inspired the entire group! We also had several "activities" that roused the group into creative expression, practicing the "art" of non-attachment, as well as good 'ol fashioned relaxation. Thank you to each one of you that took the time to be a part of this event, I'm looking forward to spending time together next year! If you were unable to attend this year, I truly hope that you will be a part of the next Retreat.This was my second Retreat to "concept" and direct...my finale will be next year: IEA Retreat & Conference 2009; October 1-4th 2009, Carmel Valley,Ca....I'll have more information on that after I finish unpacking my car and reassembling my studio
-Cari Hernandez
Kathan Brown: Magical Secrets about Thinking Creatively
Kathan's lecture
Kathan Brown: Magical Secrets about Thinking Creatively
Kathan Brown, founder of Crown Point Press gave an inspiring presentation based on her book: Magical Secrets about Thinking Creatively. She touched on many foundation "ideas" such as; Have an idea...Don't know what you want...Know what you want...Get into the Flow...Take yourself lightly to name a few. Using examples of many of the artists that she has worked with over the years, Kathan illustrated ways to open up our creative process. The artits that she refered to included John Cage, Richard Diebenkorn, Dorothy Napangardi, Wayne Thiebaud, for more on her book: www.magical-secrets.com
Heather's lecture
Heather Hutchison: life of an artist
Heather gave such a lively and fun talk!!!She started by sharing her path to becoming a professional artist...the past 20 years that took her from the California Bay area to New York. As a young artist, she was inspired by the discarded materials that were left near her work space...plexi and wood scrap. These basic materials along with wax are the foundation of her work; creating sculpture as painting that is light.
Richard's Lecture
Richard Frumess: materials and more!!...a whole lot-o-pigment
The humorous and completely thorough Richard gave an informative talk on the history and progression of paint...the components and the history of how the actual pigments found their way into our modern day paint...say, why are "lakes" called lake??? What was that about refraction?? Truly fascinating information was shared that served every artist.
Panel Forum
As I said in the opening of the forum, this was a most exciting "Charlie Rose" moment for me! Each of our panelist brought diverse opinions and experiences to our talk. We covered topics ranging self promotion, the artist/gallery relationship, ethics, community, and education to name a few. I would have loved another 2 hours of conversation (with a bathroom break of course...).
The panel consisted of:
Tracey Adams, Miles Conrad, Richard Frumess, Heather Hutchison, with Cari Hernandez as moderator
The panel consisted of:
Tracey Adams, Miles Conrad, Richard Frumess, Heather Hutchison, with Cari Hernandez as moderator
Journal Project
What happens when you put 40 artists in a room with paper, glue, scissors, stamps and a limited amount of time?
:)
Each attendee received a traditional "composition notebook" when they checked in...during the Journal Project, they were invited to personalize their journal...it proved to be a fun and creative "break" that produced lovely and unique objects!
:)
Each attendee received a traditional "composition notebook" when they checked in...during the Journal Project, they were invited to personalize their journal...it proved to be a fun and creative "break" that produced lovely and unique objects!
it's what's inside that counts...
who can get it open???
after relaxing with a margarita, we were invited to take a whack at our Retreat Cactus Piñata (the Bee shape was out of stock...we settled on a cactus). After several rounds, Eileen went at it (with uncovered eyes in the end)...treats were a plenty :)
Design it, Build it, Wear it
So after building our own ice cream sundaes, I started to round folks up for our evening event...okay, as Miles said it was like herding cats! I kept saying "really, it will be fun!" many blank and lack luster facial expressions were the response. So, to say that there were a few reluctant people is not an overstatement. Once we had assembled in the theater, the crowd was broken into 5 groups, each group was given an identical basket of supplies/materials with the same instruction: go design and construct an outfit using the supplied materials, the "garment" will have to be modeled at the end of the allotted time...I wish that I could fully describe the level of creative energy that evolved! The collaborative teamwork was amazing, groups worked together in harmony, creating outrageous and stunning apparel! The models strutted the creations with such flair, Charli was so stunning in character as "goddess" that I was actually taken aback! The photographs are wonderful, but nothing can quite capture the excitement and energy that was created that evening.
Miles Conrad: building 3D objects in encaustic
Miles Conrad gave a fascinating in-depth demonstration on how he creates and builds his three dimensional works. He took us through the sculpting and casting process, application of wax medium, different techniques for adhering the forms to his panel, pouring/finishing with pigment...certainly I am over simplifying, his detailed steps were so well thought out that we couldn't wait to participate when he included audience members to help with the construction. He teaches these techniques at his studio in Tucson, as well as giving a post conference workshop this year at the Montserrat Encaustic conference in Beverly MA.
Lissa's Demonstration
Lissa Rankin: stencils, texture & more
Lissa Rankin demonstrated several techniques, including her signature use of stencils both raised and "buried" as detailed imagery in her work. She also showed techniques for creating clean-edged line work and texture building. These techniques and more will be illustrated in her upcoming book:Encaustic & Beyond: A Guide to Creating Fine Art With Wax.
Art Exchange
drawing numbers
Art Exchange: the "art" of letting go
A simple idea: bring a 6x6 painting that is wrapped up, knowing that you will be giving it away randomly to a fellow Retreat attendee by means of a drawing and exchange..aka: the "white elephant" game. Each person placed their concealed/wrapped painting on the table and took a number...when it was their turn they could select a painting from the table or take a painting away from someone that had already made a selection...this "game" really challenged some, Julia had her paintings taken away 3 times before she was able to "keep" her pick. All and all, it really was great fun...we were able to see a sampling of other's work and take a gift home.
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4 comments:
Congratulations on what sounds like a wildly successful retreat! I really appreciate you getting this blog together for those of us who could not attend this year.
We had two people there from Oregon (Melinda and Judy) and they are raving about the event. Thanks also for the advanced info on new time slot for next year. I'll get it on my calendar NOW. Great job everyone!
Take care,
Linda Womack
www.lindawomack.com
Linda,
So great to hear from you!
It will be wonderful to have you there in 2009!
-Cari
I've returned home wildly enthused! Even though I had to leave early and missed much of Lissa's demo, I've been inspired to work with stencils and have completed 14 small experimental pieces using different approaches. The workshop was the high point of my year so far. I've already marked my calendar for 2009. Thank you Cari, for a superb job.
Judy,
14 Pieces!! Fantastic!
I am so happy to hear about your inspiration, thank you for sharing...Looking forward to next year too.
-Cari
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