Proud of our Work!
Updated: Oct 11, 2020
It seems to me that the precarious nature of getting back on track for the season has pulled the rug out from many of us. Sometimes I wonder what end is up, so to speak. However, that does not keep the fabulous crew of ART YARD Advanced Studio from thinking creating and sharing at the top of their game.
This week Teaching Artist (once student) Jacob Rath introduced us to the fascinating art form of Russian Textile design from the early 20th century. Jacob presented a thoughtful and engaging introduction that had us all inspired. Eden was tapped in to many of the Soviet ideologies and historical references, but for many others this was new terrain.
Jacob well summarized the session: “We began with a presentation about Soviet Textiles from the 1920s and 1930s. I discussed how these textiles incorporated images and symbols that reflect the values of the Soviet Union. Many of the patterns included images of tractors and factories because the Soviet Union wanted to portray itself as an industrialized nation. Students were then instructed to create a textile pattern to represent their own communities. Students were free to use whatever materials they wanted, but were encouraged to only use four colors maximum. I briefly discussed how to create an image with a repeating pattern, and then presented a list of questions to help them generate ideas for their design.
We then separated to work on our designs. We then came back and shared our designs with the group. Ed and Marilyn used logos from art organizations that they are members of in their work, and Meridith used images of artwork from other ART YARD artists. Like Ed, Akash exploring Zoom culture and Zahir honoring Black Lives Matter both had strong diagonal patterning in their designs. Many artists made designs about social distancing due to covid. Eden made three prints, one about being bisexual, one about their afro-Latino heritage, and one about their experience in the Latin School. We also discussed that everyone should be proud of their work even if they don't finish in the time of the lesson. Unfinished work can still be beautiful, and we can always add more later.”
We welcomed a new artist into the ART YARD posse – Claude Viaud Peralta. His work from the session was inspiring (Dennis who was timing our artmaking pointed out that I stood the whole art making session and Claude seemed to be employing a hair dryer to speed the drying time on layers of paint) and we all loved his contribution to our critique!
After critique I let everyone know that next week Teaching Artist Fatima Traore will be on board to lend a framework to the day. A cheer went up! As we have all missed Fatima’s presence this semester. BUT there is a good reason for her absence – Fatima has been promoted to head teacher at the pre-school she is working with!! We all cheered her success and opined that her students are privileged to be under her leadership.
A HUGE ROUND OF APPLAUSE FOR FATIMA!!!
Sarah Gumgumji has posted a new CREATE topic – illustrated recipes. Sarah was inspired by the work and conversation in the Advanced Studio session led by Iviva. Please check it out on ART YARD CREATE and add your own or favorite illustrated recipes!
Last night I recorded my interview for ART MOVEZ_ with co-hosts Toni Williams and Eli Kuslansky. I think it was a very interesting interview. I find that when both the interviewer and interviewee are equally invested (in this case in Art in our time, here in Brooklyn) that there is a fantastic base for conversation. I will share the link as soon as ART MOVEZ_ makes it live!
Inspired by our lively conversation co-host Toni Williams send over a photo her recent drawing!
Congratulations goes to Teaching Artist Candy Heiland who has work in Harvest of Dreams October 4025, 2020 at Incubator Studio Gallery in Bushwick.
It is great to hear that Teaching Artist Claudia Alvarez has work included in INTERSECTIONS The Union Square Show opening on Saturday October 10th. Due to covid precautions the gallery is scheduling time slots. RSVP on Eventbrite.
Claudia's slot is from 6:30-7pm
Kudos to Teaching Artist Glendalys Medina who has work included in the American Academy In Rome benefit.
