description
This workshop will start with a short discussion of learning to open ourselves up to what is around us every day and learning to draw on our natural instincts to gather and not be inhibited by our internal voice about what beauty is or isn’t. It is an exercise in learning to listen to our hearts. Samples will be passed around of the various outcomes that can be achieved by following this simple set of techniques.
A short walk to collect (praying all the time for the weather gods to comply) we will draw upon our own instincts to gather what appeals for no other reason than it appeals to the eye and heart. No final outcome in mind….just to be curious and open to possibilities in everything around you.
Students will also be asked to do a similar exercise before they arrive, with the intent of looking at the differences that exist while collecting at a different time with a different mindset there by helping them to realize that this is a helpful technique when one is blocked and not sure what direction to take…..look inside for the answer, it’s there.
bee shay 51 years young
Folk artist and oil painter for almost 20 years, turned mixed media about 12 years ago.
I’ve been teaching some form of handcraft or art since 1978 more on than off. Majored in art in high school for all four years and 1 year of college….self education has been the key from there on in, learn by doing has been my basic mode of self instruction.
Spent 10 years actively involved in the Stencil Artisan’s League (SALI) an international non-profit organization dedicated to the teaching and furthering of traditional American Folk Art. Worked on both the local level (serving on local board at all levels and traveling instructor); and also on the national board as Educational Chairman and National Convention Chairman.
In the early 90’s switched gears and began working in the paper arts world when bitten by rubber stamps (not much of a leap from stencils to stamps actually- just love repetitious imagery)….have taught in stores and small private workshops since on the Eastern seaboard.
Mother of 3 grown children and currently living on Nantucket in Mass., a wonderful and inspiring island home teaming with a plethora of natural elements to wet my appetite for
working in many mediums.
Purpose and Intent of my workshops:
My workshop philosophy is to create a safe and nurturing environment, free of judgment where, using the “See it, Do it, Keep it” method participants can learn new techniques and complete a project that will let them practice what they’ve just learned.
I’ve learned a long time ago that techniques are often lost if the participant leaves with just samples….they are not as encouraged to work again as they are when they leave with a finish product. On that note however, I let participants know from the very beginning that they are not in my workshop to make a cookie cutter piece of art, to the contrary if there are 20 people in the room with the same materials I expect 20 different results.
I also encouragement them to practice what they’ve learned by inviting all participants to join an on-line group to share ideas and create art exchanges as well as an open line of communication to answer questions or issues once they’ve returned home and are “on their own.
Also in my workshops I strive for a sense of community, no matter how temporary, I find it helps to make a warmer environment to work in if people feel connected and have a common goal. Competition is never encouraged. I always ask them to bring something to the workshop to share in the making of “demo” piece. That piece is then donated to benefit a charity. Working together on a common goal is a great way to bring everyone together and get them sharing thoughts and ideas.
As an instructor I try to remain open hearted and open minded always while teaching. The goal for me personally is to learn something every time I teach. That way, I can stretch and grow and we all benefit.
