MMM! More Mixed Media

Our next session begins on Monday, March 4! We are meeting for 8-weeks this time y'all! And our schedule of projects include (but are not limited to..)

Papermaking
We've been working toward this for a while. We are going to work with at least two pulps- recycled papers and either linen or abaca pulp- something that is strong and we can manipulate well. We will pull single sheets, layered sheets and try some other techniques to get used to how the pulp and pulling work. Then, we are going to try some casting.

After we get our papers, we will start manipulating them, adding materials, color perhaps some threads (gotta have threads!) and work on our composition.


Textile Composition 
Not the snappiest project title-- but I've been working on some pieces that are part of a path of pieces.... and I've been using several techniques that I like to combine to make fiber compositions (and I have a show coming up!!!)
Painting and printing with Textile Pigments on muslin
Image Transfer
Stitching as line
Wrapping and Weaving

And, if we have time, Found Object Jewelry.
I'm always collecting nuts, seeds, stones, bits of metal, shells, beads, beads, threads, beads, glass, papers and usually some beads.  I'm working on some prototypes over the week and will post them soon.

Hope you can make this class- So far it has been great fun with wonderful students (a treat to meet!). Please email Karen at Art Alliance of Greensboro, call 336.373.2725 and feel free to email me at kathryngauldin@gmail.com if you have questions or suggestions!

Mixed Media Class

Mixed Media is one of those terms that inspire the classic "What?".

Yep. It is all that and a bag o'chips. It is a way of expression that doesn't get itself tangled up too  much in technique, media, materials and academia. It is all about inspired composition. Mixed media is liberating in the way it works on an intuitive band of energy.

All those workshops, the "stuff" you collected, things that are in your mind and are demanding to be processed are the best materials for this project. Consider picking out a few things and spending some quality time moving them here, there, burn one, paint one blue... whatever.

I've had the most amazing time with the mixed media class I've been teaching with the Art Alliance in Greensboro. Best Students EVER. Fearless, imaginative, conversational and ready to go- my kind of girls!!!  We've worked on books (one of my favorite structures because of flexibility, inclusion of technique and bookbinding and assemblage doesn't need big tools!), paper techniques that are part of the books...marbling, paste paper, folding, tearing, cutting and handmade paper.  We made papier mache masks and collage. Now we are entering mosaic.

I love mosaic. it is a full-frontal texture quilt. All cultures embrace the technique.. African memory jugs, stone mosaics of ancient civilizations, complex ceramic stairways, never forget the assemblages of Mr. I, found object mosaic art... it goes on and on. Basically, one hoards a collection of items and decides how to create the composition.

WARNING: Hoarding stuff is frowned upon. The downside of mosaic is you can sell folks on this project!!! it is a chance to unload their stuff! And all of the bits and pieces have stories, a raison d'etre and your inspiration. Grab your boxes of goodies, some good glue.. maybe some grout and get going! I'll be posting some images soon...