David Hockney inspired photo collage

This is probably my way of dealing with the disappointment of not being able to get to London to see Hockney's show last spring. This is also me remembering how much my own children enjoyed using a disposable camera to collect their own unique perspective on trips to keep for their memories.

Both of these things factored into my decision to create a photo collage project in the Contemporary Art camp inspired by David Hockney's artwork.

9 year old

Keeping my budget in mind two children shared each disposable camera.

I had not realized that this generation has not only never seen a disposable camera, they have no idea how to use a camera that is not digital! So after a lesson on the mechanics of how to use an "old fashion" camera, we took off for a walk in the studio neighborhood and woods.

When a child found something they wanted to shoot, we all stopped and let the child capture their image with a series of ten photographs.

Needless to say not being able to see what they had shot right away was a bit of shock for them.

What do you mean it has to go to the store and be developed?!

What do you mean it takes two days?!!!!!

I figured I wouldn't share with them how we also had to buy flashcubes when I was young and processing was over a week! That would be as mindboggling as when they learned I grew up with TV cartoons only on Saturday morning and no remote control.

I digress, back to David Hockney.

When the photos were developed they eagerly went through them. Some were disappointed with a few pictures that were out of focus and some were surprised that they didn't have the angles they had anticipated, but all but one child had useable photographs.

9 year old

For that one child however, all of her photographs were underexposed and did not develop. She had chosen to do facial close ups of one of the other campers and the camera just could not handle that kind of angle. We discussed that although disappointing what a great learning experience. We brainstormed what to do next and even though her project would be different, we agreed it would be equally as wonderful using my iPhone and black and white pictures off my computer printer.

10 year old

To be truthful, this was a great opportunity for everyone to learn some photography basics with their results as we discussed why some things had worked and others had not. I had not anticipated this project opportunity but it was a welcome bonus.

7 year old

I think when we first looked at Hockney's photo collages, the kids figured it was easy. They quickly learned putting together a photo collage artwork is difficult. It is a huge puzzle full of many choices.

6 year old

Two photos work together, but then how do you get the other to make sense?

How do you deal with creating a fluid image when you are missing a section of subject?

Or have too many of the same subject angle?

7 year old

In the end, they all figured it out.  They all got such great compositions. And like all children's photography, the works are a very interesting perspective for adult viewers who get a special look at the world through a child's eye.

clay dolls

The elementary class had admired the clay santo inspired dolls created by the preteen class in the studio while they were in process. While they were finishing their own projects, they asked if they too could create some clay dolls and so I pulled out the supplies and gave them the opportunity to create their own beautiful air dry clay dolls.

Starting with a papermache cone, they  wadded up some newsprint and taped it together to create a head shape. They then used the masking tape to attach the head to the cone. At that point I brought out some air dry clay for them to begin sculpting their dolls.

They quickly realized this was easier said than done but each young girl got there in the end.  Each doll took a week to dry and so the following week they painted and decorated their dolls.

10 year old

Each girl had a clear vision on color choices and hair color. Each girl mixed their own skin tone too. I think the most challenging part of painting the face for them was the eyes. I was very proud of the girls as they never gave up and just painted out the eyes they didn't like and tried again until they were happy. Each doll got a bit of rouge and lipstick before calling the faces done.

6 year old

They had a wonderful time rummaging through the boxes of 'doodads' I had to gussy up the dolls. Tulle skirts were mandatory as far as they were all concerned as it was one of the things they had admired most on the dolls the preteen class had made. The discovery of sequin ribbon in the ribbon box was also a must for each girl.

9 year old

The pearls the girls found were self adhesive and from a project my youngest daughter did for her "big" in her new sorority. I was thrilled that the girls found a good use for the leftovers on their dolls. Feathers became 'de rigueur' for headwear, along with hand crafted crepe paper flowers.

6 year old

And what doll would be complete without some rhinestone bling? Definitely not these girls! 

Because the cones were larger than what the preteen class had used, I did not put these dolls on candlestick bases. I worried they would be too unstable.

The artist were thrilled with their creations in the end and quite proud when it came time to take them home. It was fun to watch a younger age group problem solve through this project and I'm thrilled to see that this idea captures the imagination of a wide span of age groups.

Such a very cute collection of grande dames, don't you think?

abstract landscapes with adults

I am always game for running workshops and so when one of the mothers of a student asked if I would run a class for her and her friends, I jumped at the chance and said yes.

Once they had their group together, we found an evening that worked for everyone. They requested we do abstract landscape paintings.

I prepped some canvas boards for them prior to their arrival in the studio and suggested if they had a landscape reference they were interested in using to bring it with them. I also had reference they could use in the studio.

This lovely photograph was taking by one of the mothers. I believe it is from a family home in the interior. You have got to love the landscape of British Columbia, we are lucky, lucky people to be surrounded by such beauty.

I think going into the project the mothers felt that creating an abstract would be much easier to do than something realistic. In hindsight, I believe they discovered that is not really the case. Abstract requires one to 'let go' and be willing to let the work guide you. Once you get the hang of painting intuitively, the results can be amazing. This woman caught on quite quickly and I am in love with her final work.

This work is inspired by a well known mountain peek in Vancouver called, "the Lions". They are so well known that the local CFL team, Vancouver Lions, and the production company on many a feature film, Lionsgate Studios are named after them. (a little trivia for ya!)

I love the serenity of this work.

I enjoy the graphic nature of this work. Absolutely love the color choices.

I tried to put out a lot of different tools and mediums for the women to explore in their work. One was a palette knife and boy, did this woman fall in love with it.  This entire painting was created with the palette knife! She was a master.  I loved the fact that her husband posted it on his Facebook page the next day with the world's sweetest note about her talent. She had created it for him from a cruise they took together (if I recall right) I do know this was a favorite place for him.

If that entire paragraph isn't a testament to true love, I don't know what is, she loved the palette knife, loved him when thinking of her subject matter, and he loved her so much he wanted to share it with the world...or at least his several hundred closest friends on Facebook. ;)

And speaking of love, I love this. That simple streak of yellow running through the work. awesome.

And I loved watching this woman make different discoveries while she created her art. I had put out some spray bottles with water and she really enjoyed the different things it created on her piece.

I'm missing one work from the night and it is so disappointing. It was the one piece I was most proud of because the woman worked so hard throughout the night. The whole process of abstract painting was so uncomfortable for her and she really had to fight to keep from creating a realistic work. In the end, she got a beautiful piece that spoke to her aesthetic but also had an abstract quality. I was so proud of her and her tenacity that night.

I think the women had a good time, I know I did! How can one argue when the students show up with wine and cake? Two of my favorite things to go along with my favorite activity- creating.

I hope this group makes plans to come back again soon as it was a great night. 

If you would like to have a group of friends come create at the studio, contact me through KudzuStudio.com. If this group is any indication, it will be a very fun night.

First Nation inspired clay mask

We kicked off the "Hello Vancouver" spring break camp creating mask inspired by the First Nation. It seemed quite appropriate when being inspired by our beautiful city to remember the people whose land we share.

I shared with the kids the traditional shapes they would find in First Nation art, along with a wide variety of samples of different animals created by First Nation artist. I also shared the symbolism behind each animal and we discussed the limited use of color the works.. Using that information as a jumping off point, we also discussed how in other cultures we use animals to symbolize different traits and powers.

Like in Harry Potter, a novel series very popular with this age group and easily relatable to the kids. Harry Potter's stag was a quick way to help them recognize the concept.

Then we discussed animals local to our city. What powers might they possess? What animals did they feel represented them? Or maybe held powers of protection?

Then with one last reminder that we were not necessarily creating traditional First Nation mask but using the art form as inspiration for our own interpretation, I handed out some oven baked clay in white.

8 year old, eagle

Using their kneecap as a base, they began to shape the clay and add the features they wanted to highlight the animal of their choosing.

eagle, 8 year old

cat, 8 year old

When the were happy with their mask, I gave them an opportunity to add holes in order to put raffia through when finished. Only one artist wanted to do this step. Then we put them in the oven to bake.

owl, 10 year old

When they were cooled, which takes about 15 minutes in the freezer, each child used red and black paint to add accent color....or in one case, color the entire animal!

owl, 11 year old

I am so pleased with the results, aren't they stunning?  Each mask is a personal reflection of the artist, of an animal that has some significance to them. I think they reflect each child perfectly.

printmaking birthday party

I have been busy with birthday parties!  Three this month and another this weekend. I am always humbled that parents would entrust such a special day to me. It is always a treat to share in the excitement that comes along with a child's birthday.

This eight year old little girl wanted a birthday party that had something to do with nature.  I sent her mother a couple of project ideas for the child to pick from and she decided she wanted to do printmaking.

I would have loved to of taken the girls outside to collect their own leaves, but given the time constraints, collected a variety of different leaves from my yard.

 

We did A LOT of prints. Printmaking always feels like organized chaos and when you throw the energy of a birthday party into the mix, wow! Like on a roller coaster, you just kind of have to put your hands up in the air and enjoy the ride.  We did one print of just a positive and negative image of a leaf. I let the birthday girl choose the color and she picked gold. I think these came out lovely  with her color choice.

The girls also had the opportunity to create some multi-layered prints using a variety of colors. I love the abstract quality of these pieces. Here is a sampling of some of the things they created.  Needless to say, there were so many creations that I had to pick and choose or this post would of looked like "War and Peace".

birthday girl

How awesome is this above print done by the birthday girls' three year old sister?! I love that this project is something all ages can enjoy exploring with some stunning results.

Even with editing, there are so many beautiful ones I want to share with you. Isn't this side by side in color pretty?

I absolutely love the above composition the birthday girl came up with on this one. I love the color palette also.  It is quite interesting to see what happens to the inks the girls choose as they begin to combine the layers.

(once again, three year old's work!)

From the noise level and the amount of paper I went through during this party, I'm pretty confident saying the girls had a very good time.  I think the parents and I could of done with something a little stronger than apple juice at the end, but then isn't that always the case after you throw a child's party?

Happy Birthday Miss T!!!  Thank you for letting Kudzu be a part of your special day!!

A whole new age group of students!

I am a member of the local P.E.O chapter. I'm quite proud to be a part of such an exciting organization and when they asked me to do a program at the last meeting, I was quite humbled.

The program criteria was that it had to be 20-25 minutes long and whatever I did needed to be simple enough that I could travel supplies easily without much mess.

And since I find that adults sometimes come with a whole lifetime of "issues" regarding drawing and can get quite intimidated worrying about the end product, I decided to do a project where there was no right way for the end product to look.

I decided to present Carla Sonheim's book, "Imaginary Animals".  This is where I found the always successful project of Blobimals.  A project I have yet had anyone not enjoy doing, even the teenager who at the end of tonight's class stated, "I don't like doing blobs" and then moments later was giggling while looking at one.

If you are not familiar with artist Carla Sonheim, I encourage you to look at her website.

carlasonheim.com

There are a lot of very good free tutorials on the site and her work is quite charming. She is quickly becoming one of my favorite "go to" artist for inspiration.

Anyway, I created a stack of watercolor blobs prior to the meeting since there would not be a lot of time nor space for the women to create their own blobs. I handed each woman a sharpie pen and told them to find the imaginary creature hidden in their blobs.

I'm guessing by the amount of laughing and the eagerness to create more than one blobimal, they had a good time.

I'm quite impressed with the results and the vivid imaginations of the women who were at the meeting.

Everyone quite enjoyed looking at all the creations while breaking for refreshments.