Handful of Curiousity

Bee Shay

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.

Supply List:

• small sharp scissors
• small spray bottle (about 1 oz size) (easily available at drug stores and craft supply)
• favorite writing implement(s) or mark making tool(s) (for working in your little tin top journal)
• 1/8” eyelet setter and mat
• one small bottle of Elmer’s Paper and Craft Glue (Clear)
• small carving tool (like you would use for carving erasers or linoleum block)
  
  
• HOMEWORK:
  
  
• Assignment #1: Spend some time collecting in either urban/natural inside or outside environment ANYTHING WHICH APPEALS TO YOU IN ANY WAY that you can hold in your palm. Try and choose a place where you enjoy being and try not to think too much about what you are picking up. All items should fit together in a zip lock sandwich bag. Please bring to workshop with you. Also, jot down what you were thinking about as you gathered, whether it relates to what you were picking up or not…stream of consciousness type of thing and put your thoughts in the bag with the items.
  
  
• Assignment #2: Please bring with you some small manmade or natural found objects to be added to the classroom “stash” they will be used to share with other classmates AND in demo piece(s) which will then be donated to the raffle.
  
  
• OPTIONAL FOR YOU….
  
  
• Small (about ½” – 1”) alpha/numeric rubber stamp set and black permanent ink pad
• Small (less than 1”) stamps that are personal to you in nature
• Feel free to bring small buttons or washers or metal bits that you might be partial to, to be attached on the front of your pieces.
  
  
• ALL THE REST IS UP TO ME…….SEE MY BLOG FOR MORE DETAIL OR EMAIL ME barbara2@shayconstruction.com