24/09/20014
Week 3.
In attendance 13 artists
Discussion:
Are you an artist that mirrors the world or are you an artist that says something about the world or yourself?
I asked the group which category they fit into. I expected everyone to choose mirroring the world, but I was surprised to find out that it was about 50/50. When the people who said they “mirrored the world” (usually in a defeatist way) discussed how the approach their work or make desertions within their work they found out that they too said something about the world or themselves.
This week I introduced poster paint, the artists could choose to use it or not, the group are quite flexible and up for having a go so everyone did. They found it a little difficult when I said they were not to add water to the paint despite this the group produced some lovely images. Through introducing new mediums I am trying to help the artists add new experiences and methods to their practice, they might never paint in poster paints again but they may have learnt a different stroke with their brush or a new way of mixing paint.
This week we had a little off shoot group of knitters/crocheters and sewers who share their skills and taught others how to crochet. I also had a very interesting conversation with a gentleman that said there was no skill in modern art. I think by the end he had changed his mind a little although he said he would never like it. Each to their own!
last weeks home work went down very well, one lady told me that she had stayed up two nights to finish her mondrian inspired cut out birds. they were magnificent and i could tell she was very proud of herself.
The group is already becoming a little support network for each other and I’m sure many a long lasting friendship will come from it.
