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Fiber being spaced out for a wet felting project
Queer Journeys: Exploring Human Experience and Social Change through Felting and Somatic Poetry
Introduction: We are excited to propose a one-day workshop titled "Queer Journeys: Exploring Human Experience and Social Change through Felting and Somatic Poetry." This interdisciplinary workshop aims to create a safe and supportive space for queer folx to engage in artistic expression, self-reflection, and community-building. Facilitated by interdisciplinary artist Eli West and inspired by the work of poet CA Conrad, participants will have the opportunity to explore their personal experiences and aspirations for social change through the mediums of wet felting, needle felting and somatic poetry.
Objectives:
Foster self-reflection: Through somatic poetry exercises, participants will engage in introspection and self-reflection, exploring their personal experiences, emotions, and aspirations as queer individuals.
Facilitate artistic expression: Using the ancient craft of felting, participants will have the opportunity to channel their emotions and personal narratives into tactile artworks, creating a tangible representation of their experiences.
Encourage community building: The workshop will provide a supportive environment where participants can connect with one another, share their stories, and find solidarity within the queer community.
Empower social change: By exploring the intersections of personal experience and aspirations for social change, participants will be inspired to consider how their artistic expressions can contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society.
Workshop Outline:
Introduction (30 minutes):
Welcome and introductions
Overview of the workshop objectives, guidelines, and safe space agreements
Introduction to Eli West and their artistic practice
Somatic Poetry Exploration (90 minutes):
Guided somatic poetry exercises inspired by CA Conrad's work
Exploring personal experiences, emotions, and aspirations through written and spoken word
Sharing and discussion of poetry in a supportive and non-judgmental environment
Felting Techniques and Unstructured Studio Time (120 minutes):
Introduction to felting as a creative medium
Demonstration of basic wet felting techniques by Eli West
Hands-on practice of wet felting, allowing participants to create their own tactile artworks
Creation of an individual piece based off of individuals written work
Queer Narratives in Felting and Studio Time (60 minutes):
Facilitated discussion on the intersection of personal narratives, queer experiences, and social change
Encouraging participants to reflect on how their felting artworks can convey their stories and aspirations
Sharing and discussion of participants' wet felting creations, emphasizing personal significance and artistic intent
Reflection and Closing (30 minutes):
Group reflection on the workshop experience and personal insights gained
Final discussion on the role of art in fostering social change within the queer community
Closing remarks and resource sharing for further exploration
Logistics and Requirements:
Workshop Duration: One day (6-7 hours)
Workshop Venue: A space conducive to artistic expression, with tables, chairs, and access to water facilities for wet felting.
Materials: Wet felting supplies (wool, bubble wrap, towels, soapy water), writing materials (paper, pens), and audiovisual equipment for presentations.
Participant Capacity: Recommended 10-15 participants to maintain an intimate and supportive environment.
Facilitator: Eli West, an interdisciplinary artist experienced in facilitating art-based workshops.
Cost: $70 including all materials
Conclusion: The "Queer Journeys" workshop, facilitated by Eli West, offers queer folx a unique opportunity to explore their human experience and aspirations for social change through the mediums of felting and somatic poetry. By combining introspective writing exercises, hands-on artistic creation, and community dialogue, this workshop aims to empower participants to embrace their individual narratives, strengthen connections within the queer community.
Painting in Needle Felt: An Introductory Workshop
Duration: 4 hours
Overview: The "Painting in Needle Felt" workshop is designed to introduce participants to the art of needle felting while exploring the creation of graphic and bold imagery. Through this hands-on workshop, participants will learn the basic composition of pieces, various needle felting techniques, and the process of creating felted backings. By the end of the workshop, participants will have completed or nearly completed their own wall hanging, gained knowledge of finishing techniques, and received a felting kit to continue exploring this versatile craft.
Objectives:
Introduce participants to the art of needle felting and its creative possibilities.
Teach participants the fundamental techniques for hand needle felting.
Explore ways to choose fiber for felting to achieve desired textures and effects.
Provide participants with the necessary skills to create graphic and bold imagery through needle felting.
Foster creativity and self-expression through the creation of personalized wall hangings.
Equip participants with finishing techniques to complete their needle felted pieces effectively.
Workshop Outline:
I. Introduction (15 minutes)
Welcome and introductions
Overview of the workshop objectives and agenda
Explanation of needle felting and its applications in creating artwork
II. Sketchbook Exercise (30 minutes)
Introduction to the importance of planning and composition in needle felting
Guided sketchbook exercise to help participants determine their piece's direction and concept
III. Basic Needle Felting Techniques (60 minutes)
Instructor demonstration on hand needle felting techniques
Explanation of different types of felting needles and their uses
Discussion on choosing appropriate fibers for different effects and textures
Hands-on practice session for participants to experiment with basic needle felting techniques
IV. Creating Felted Backings (30 minutes)
Demonstration and guidance on creating felted backings for wall hangings
Discussion on various techniques for achieving desired shapes and sizes
Tips for securing the felted pieces and ensuring durability
V. Needle Felting Graphic and Bold Imagery (60 minutes)
Instructor-led demonstration on creating graphic and bold imagery through needle felting
Exploration of techniques such as layering, blending, and shading
Individual guidance and support as participants create their own imagery on the wall hanging
VI. Finishing Techniques (30 minutes)
Introduction to various finishing techniques for needle felted pieces
Discussion on framing, mounting, and adding hanging mechanisms
Tips for maintaining and preserving needle felted artwork
VII. Wrap-up and Conclusion (15 minutes)
Reflection on the workshop experience and accomplishments
Q&A session to address any remaining questions or concerns
Distribution of felting kits and sharing ideas for future projects
Logistics and Requirements:
Workshop Duration: One day (6-7 hours)
Workshop Venue: A space conducive to artistic expression, with tables and chairs.
Participant Capacity: Recommended 10-15 participants to maintain an intimate and supportive environment.
Facilitator: Eli West, an interdisciplinary artist experienced in facilitating art-based workshops.
Cost: $70 including all materials
Materials Required: Sketchbooks or drawing paper, pencils and erasers, felting needles (assorted sizes), felting mat or foam pad, variety of felting fibers (wool, alpaca, etc.), wall hanging bases or canvases, scissors, sewing needles and thread, mounting or framing materials (optional), handouts summarizing the key techniques and resources
Conclusion: The "Painting in Needle Felt" workshop provides a comprehensive introduction to the art of needle felting, equipping participants with the skills and knowledge to create their own graphic and bold imagery. Through a combination of demonstrations, hands-on practice, and individual guidance, participants will leave the workshop with a completed or nearly completed wall hanging, along with a felting kit and inspiration for future projects.
Surreal Sculptures: A Mixed Media and Felted Sculpture Workshop
Duration: Full day (approximately 6-8 hours)
Cost: $70 per participant
Overview: Join us for a day-long immersive workshop where we explore the realms of mixed media and felted sculpture inspired by surrealist and assemblage artists. In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn the foundations of sculpture and delve into the fascinating world of mixed media art, combining various materials and techniques to create unique and surreal sculptures. Guided by the principles of surrealism and assemblage, participants will explore papier-mâché, armature forming, basic felting, and hand sewing techniques. By the end of the workshop, each participant will leave with a completed sculpture and resources to continue their artistic practice.
Objectives:
Introduce participants to the foundations of sculpture and mixed media art.
Explore the aesthetics and concepts of surrealism and assemblage in art.
Teach participants various techniques such as papier-mâché, armature forming, felting, and hand sewing.
Encourage creativity and experimentation in combining different materials and mediums.
Guide participants in the creation of their own surreal sculpture.
Provide participants with resources and inspiration to continue their artistic journey.
Workshop Outline:
I. Introduction to Surrealism and Assemblage (30 minutes)
Brief overview of surrealism and assemblage as art movements.
Discussion on key concepts, artists, and their contributions.
Exploration of how these movements inspire mixed media sculpture.
II. Foundations of Sculpture (60 minutes)
Introduction to basic sculpture techniques and principles.
Demonstration and hands-on practice of armature forming using wire and other materials.
Guidance on creating a sturdy base for the sculptures.
III. Papier-Mâché Techniques (90 minutes)
Explanation of papier-mâché and its versatility in sculpture.
Demonstration of papier-mâché techniques, including layering and shaping.
Hands-on session for participants to create the structure of their sculptures using papier-mâché.
IV. Introduction to Felting (60 minutes)
Overview of felting as a technique for adding texture and dimension to sculptures.
Demonstration of basic needle felting techniques.
Hands-on practice session for participants to add felting elements to their sculptures.
V. Mixed Media Integration (60 minutes)
Discussion on incorporating various materials into sculptures, such as fabric, found objects, and more.
Guidance on combining different mediums to enhance the surrealistic elements.
Hands-on session for participants to experiment with mixed media techniques.
VI. Hand Sewing and Embellishments (60 minutes)
Introduction to basic hand sewing techniques.
Demonstration of stitching and attaching embellishments to sculptures.
Hands-on practice session for participants to add intricate details to their sculptures.
VII. Finishing Touches and Presentation (60 minutes)
Discussion on refining and polishing sculptures.
Guidance on painting, varnishing, or finishing the sculptures.
Tips for presenting and displaying the finished pieces.
VIII. Wrap-up and Conclusion (30 minutes)
Reflection on the workshop experience and achievements.
Q&A session to address any remaining questions or concerns.
Distribution of resources and references for further exploration.
Materials Required:
Wire for armature forming
Papier-mâché materials (newspaper, flour/water paste, etc.)
Felting needles and felting mat
Felting fibers
Students can bring their own objects to add into sculptures