Why are workshops good for you?

workshop 19/1/14

Today was my first workshop for 2014 - a stick art dolls workshop ... This was a repeat of a workshop offered quite a few times recently , so I started thinking why do creative people love workshops and why they are good for you. Here are 10 reasons I've thought of ... I am sure you may have others?

1. An inspiring workshop tutor can motivate to improve your work, change the direction of your work or try something new and different.
2. A workshop offers a supportive and encouraging environment where you can learn a new skill (s) and/or experience different approach ( either from the tutor or fellow participants)

workshop 19/1/14

3. Being with other artists assists you in finding solutions to problems as well as making new contacts and friends.

workshop 19/1/14

4. A workshop allows you to experiment and try new/ different genres, media, products and equipment. .

workshop 19/1/14

5. During a workshop, you have the time to "think" about your own art and the "what, where, how and why" of your creative processes as well as how to apply new skills.

6. You will, in most workshops, have a completed creation/product to take home and admire.
7 . A workshop is fun!
8. In a workshop, you discover that you are able to offer advice as well as receive it.
9. A workshop nurtures the "inner child" - appeals to curiosity, creative play and expression.

10 . The best reason for investing the time and money to a creative workshop is that you will feel great - positive, inspired and motivated, having spent some time with like minded people.

workshop creations 19/1/14

Today's workshop , I hope, fulfilled what each artist had hoped for. Congratulations to all - beautiful original textile art works created! If you couldn't attend this workshop, here is a 3 minute video of the workshop samples to compensate

and here are some links to some more amazing workshops /creative retreats to be held in 2014.
1. Timeless Textiles
2. Contemporary Craft Retreat
3. Sydney Jewellery School
4. Anne's Glory Box

Comments

Fish and Sticks : Art Dolls

This week I've been working on fish and sticks .... The sticks are the message stick art dolls which were very popular, attracting some attention and a few orders at the Wise Women exhibition. Each of the message stick dolls are from the Wise Women series, each with her own personality and message of wisdom, handwritten on a handmade timber tag. I gather the sticks during my walks around my neighbourhood and the tags are made from special bits of timber, some collected by me or my husband or from off cuts gifted to us from another doll making friend whose husband makes bagpipes. These dolls start off very simply with a wrap around a stick, in the general shape of a body. 'Naked" message stick dolls - strips of wadding wrapped around found sticks. Then I usually wrap other layers of fabric, wool, and/or fibres, over which I do some simple embroidery. I sculpt or mould small face masks for these dolls. I really like using "sari ribbon" as w...

Wednesday's Child /2

Work in Progress - 3 of the 193 for "Stitched Up"- Wilma Simmons The work for the "Stitched Up " Project continues. See the previous "Wednesday Child" post for the background to this art project celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Newcastle Industrial School. I have been documenting the progress of my work, so I thought it might be interesting to share some of the early stages of the "stick dolls" ... Here are some of the beginning steps.. Sticks collected while walking the bushland in my neighbourhood Drying and getting rid of any insects - oven heat 75 degreesC for approx 1-2 hours. Trimmed and cut if necessary Ends sealed with matte sealing solution. Drying - solution goes on white but dries clear. First wrapping - foil to create a body shape Second wrapping - stretch fabric. Third wrapping - fabric strips Some stitching - more stitching and embellishment to ...

Countdown to Christmas 15 - Diamonds Forever!

How much would you pay for a Christmas fruitcake? The world's most expensive fruit cake has been estimated at $1.65 million. Yesterday, I wrote about the less than positive term "Christmas cake as it is applied to unmarried women, so again it amazed me that in Tokyo, this most exquisite and expensive Christmas cake was created. It took six months to design and another full month to construct. The beautiful cake is fully edible ... that is except for the 223 real diamonds used as decoration. This cake was part of an exhibition called Diamonds: Nature's Miracle and was one of 16 exhibits showcasing creative ways with diamonds . Apparently, the cake was auctioned, fetching $1.65 million US. While there have been other very expensive diamond encrusted cakes since this one in 2005 with estimated values of up to $75 million, this Japanese designed cake was the forerunner of the extravagant diamond studded wedding cakes in the higher price r...

Empress Wu Designs with Wilma

Search This Blog