Re-Construction Mode in the Workshop and Studio

If the found object can be carried, disassembled, cross-sectioned, sanded, drilled, wired, glued, screwed, nailed, folded, painted, polished
---it it is mine to re-imagine.

Enough said.

... put down the electronic device.

... leather table runners in the works.

Plastic Bag Fusion Demonstration

 Concord Art Association took me on last week to give a demo class regarding my technique  fusing plastic bags.   It was a fabulous success with eager, inquisitive participants. I look forward to being asked back.

Snowgnomes: Stuffed with Personality

                          Students came out of the February cold

     and into the warmth of my cozy studio workshop for a session of Snowgnome-building.  Repurposing is key to creating these mischievous winter folk.  Experienced sweaters, hardware, containers, buttons, game-pieces & more were given new use as the Snowgnomes came to life.  Glue-guns, hand tools, needles and floss were the surgical implements of choice.  Shared laughter and delight rippled through-out the creative process.  Ideas were forming of what else one might use to design more creatures at home.  No kit, just creative wit.  Let the trickle-down effect begin.      

 

                                   

                          

Walldolls To Go On Goodnow Library Walls---month of April

Monday's on-going class is constructing Walldolls ---imagined robots, nightmares or creatures.  Students are challenged to look at discarded common objects in a new light. They sort, design, cut, drill, wire and glue.   Decisions are made based on color, shape, size, texture, balance and symbolism.  Learning to use tools is an empowering part of the process.  Creativity and problem-solving are evident in this deconstruct / reconstruct atmosphere.
 We are having so much FUN!
 The  month-long exhibit will be in the Young Adult Room at the Goodnow Library.  No Kit, Just creative Wit,  will feature Walldolls and fused plastic collages, all created by students here in my studio.

Sunday's One-Day Workshop had students fusing plastic bags to make bold, colorful fabric.  Essentially, the students collaged and I applied my free-motion stitching on their surface designs .  A completed shoulder pouch, cell phone case and fabulous wall-hanging were delivered a couple days later.

Glass Fusings Framed

Wednesday's art class:

cut, design, attach, fuse,

paint, surface design,

glue, smile !

 We considered: color with contrast & texture ...
 composition with
balance & space .

We discussed:  straight even lines and edges are not always interesting.  Tilted, uneven, wavy edges can make something be very interesting.

Lesson in Repurposing: Collaged Fusings

 Fall mixed media class of 6th graders cut, layered and fused colorful plastic bags.  I added the stitching and wrapped them on repurposed boards.  Some students made coin purses and a cell phone case and I regret not capturing them on camera.

                   Beautiful work !

Student Artists and Their Sculptings

Wednesday art students busy with sculptures: plan, form, sand, drill, cut, saw, bend, wrap, paint, hot glue ... almost finished!