INSET TRAINING
Throughout 2007 I ran some workshops/training sessions for the Local Inset Network in Cumbria.
The first was based on the idea of "Kickstarting Creativity" and centred around what I've learned running the Esthwaite School Workshops. I have since run inset sessions on "Kickstarting The Digital Camera". During the sessions I ran cut down versions of two or three of the workshops seen on the Esthwaite page. Below are the results.
Joiners: Carlisle
Small Into Big: Me - Mona Lisa - Marilyn Portrait - Lowry Portrait - Rembrandt Portrait - The Map of Cumbria
Jasper Johns Name Paintings: Omar - Sue I - Sue II - June - Nicky
Describing Pictures and Making New Ones: Stuart Clarke's "High-Kicking Cantona" - Ian Darragh's "Calling" - Goya's "El Pelele" - David Inshaw's "The Badminton Game" - Edward Hopper's "Automat" - Piero della Francesco's "St Michael" - Edward Hopper's "Lighthouse Hill" - Goya's "Las Gigantillas"
Joiners
David Hockney coined the term "Joiner" for a collage of photographs taken from one spot assembled to create version of the view. Even with the same pictures each group will always create their own view.
Kids at Esthwaite did this, too. You can see the results here.
Small Into Big
Each person was given four details of the painting and worked on those - blowing them up in the process. No-one knew what the final image would be, and most were delighted with the results. The original is on the left.
These were based on the David Beckham portrait workshop done at Esthwaite School. Click here to see it.
Small Into Big - The Map Of Cumbria
Using a similar technique to the one above, but allowing participants to decorate the line drawing, they came up with a map of Cumbria. Not one you'd use in a car or on the fells, but interesting nonetheless. The line drawing image on the left is the one that was split into 16 pieces.
Jasper Johns Name Paintings
Okay, so we didn't use paint. The names below were drawn onto a pattern and a 6 sided dice was used to determine which colour would be placed in each area. Obviously there is some obscuring of the words, but all remain legible. This would make a great way to come up with a pattern for a banner or system of signage that was more interesting than the usual words.
You could adapt it for use as collage - use patterned paper rather than felt tip or paint. The more areas you have and the more colours you use, the more legible the piece. Don't forget you can get 4-sided, 8-sided, 12-sided and 20-sided dice, too.
Describing Pictures and Making New Ones
Imagine you go to an exhibition and really like one picture. You try and find a postcard but they've sold out. You're not allowed to use a camera in the gallery and have forgotten a pad and pencil, but you can phone a friend. Describe the picture to them and get them to make you a version.
Does it match the original? Did you find it harder to describe or draw? Could you recognise the painting?
