Art Camp 2016 - Golden Rule
Tools in the toolbox
For the third summer in a row, I have been extravagantly blessed to spend my time writing, creating, and then teaching a summer camp based in art. I have strived to create something that touches on historical work and figures, current artists, an array of practices, and the biggest emphasis is 'putting tools in our toolbox.' My highest aspiration was not to teach a specific practice, as much as put enough parameters in place that real creativity could take place. If I show you this artist, and their work surprises and challenges you, and then teach you the skill that they're practicing; it's not long before student momentum picks up on its own. (...and I believe this is true for students of all ages. This means you too.)
Photography and Social Media:
It's real, and especially with its accessibility now at all ages, this was the first year I talked about taking photos with your phone, and then what happens with them. We talked about how photography can be a minimalist art-making practice, that it requires only your camera, some nice light, and simple materials//subjects.
We pored over the work of Mary Jo Hoffman, (stillblog.net) and talked about how her practice was something she chose because: she could do it everyday, it required few tools and materials, and that should could do it anywhere she was. We looked to her for examples of creating stunning composition, the power of negative space, and how powerful natural light is in photography.
We were also lucky to have the beautiful//passionate//exuberant Monica Friese, (formerly Outcalt,) of allthingslovelyhere.com. Monica is an entrepreneur//tastemaker//social media guru. She talked to us about being your own person, on working collaboratively and creatively, and creating a cohesive aesthetic that's true to your style.
We spent the day gathering natural materials from the backyard of Golden Rule//WRKSHP and creating compositions to photograph, individually and collaboratively.
Mary Jo Hoffman - stillblog.net
Monica Friese - allthingslovelyhere.com
Jewelry with purpose
Erin Kate Duininck, Owner//Curator of Golden Rule, and designer//maker of EKate Jewelry took our art camp students through a meditative writing exercise before leading them through making their own necklace.
She asked everyone to choose a message that rings true for themselves, and provided definitive symbolism for all materials provided so that each material was chosen with intention.
Erin Kate Duininck - goldenrulecollective.com
Weaving 101
Airplants and Installation