1st February

At Today’s drop in I wanted to show the Creative Collaborators the options we have for working with Clay. I have started to recycle (Reclaim) some old dry clay, there is Black-Chunky, Crank, Earthstone Hand-building and some Earthstone Hand-building that has previously been stained a bit blue and some that has some Black Chunky grog (little stones) added to it.

We need to soak the clay in water. To create paper clay we add a pulp mixture made from us soaking Toilet Paper in water. I explained the properties and benefits of experimenting in this way and everyone had a feel of the wet clay which dried on plaster slabs during our meeting. One Collaborator took home some clay to have an experiment with over half term. I am excited to start making with the Creative Collaborators and am going to order some green stain that we can use on the Blue clay as this ties into a specific paper clay origami idea.

We need to make some plaster Slabs (bats) that we can try out our unconventional clay on. I explained that I tend to cast the plaster in large shoe boxes and that we can line them with texture (funky foam or wall paper) to give us a textured side for future use.

25th January

I spent today completing my image for the Companion Book. The lunchtime drop in was an opportunity for Students to pop in with their completed pages a couple of students did bring their pages in, I have scanned them and put them on this website and The Sketchbook Project Website. I have stuck all the images into the Sketchbook Project and will post it on Monday.

Today’s opportunity was to submit work for a Secret Art Show being organized by PCS Union Reps who work at Tate Liverpool, Modern, Britain and other London venues. The Art Show is to raise funds but it is an opportunity to exhibit a piece of your Artwork in a London Gallery that will be well attended and also inclusion in an online catalogue. I think it is a valuable habit for young Creative People to get into, taking part in Exhibitions proves you are a practicing Artist.

18th January

Only one student attended the Lunchtime Drop in today, we had a really interesting conversation about working on collaborative projects. The student plans to submit a piece of their collaborative project to my Sketchbook Project Entry, thus taking her project International. The way of working, disseminating Origami pieces with instructions to add a message and return to be collated and exhibited links really well in that I am able to help spread the pieces through my colleagues, friends, Apprentices, Students (all Creative people who will be interested and keen to take part). The origami paper folding element that is the construction of the individual pieces could tie in nicely to the Collaborative Practical Project if we were to experiment making paper clay as this is a technique I had wanted to demo.

18th January Intro to Lucy and Maria’s Class

I brought in my Portfolio (from Ba Design Degree and Masters of Arts Degree today as well as a small selection of my Ceramic pieces from different projects. I gave a 45 minute talk to the class, just explaining my background, achievements, struggles and future hopes. I asked for the student’s feedback and explained about my intention to use feedback to adapt my work to make more commercial designs whilst still retaining my integrity. I don’t want to make pieces to sell but I am keen to adapt my style to make pieces that have a wider appeal.

I told the students about my Creative Collaboration and invited them to join the Wednesday lunchtime Drop in sessions at any point as well as informing them about the Companion Book. I gave a few Companion Book pages out and do hope some of the students enjoy participating in this.

I was all eager this morning, sticking my posters up around the college (I did have a real fear that no one would turn up to the first Creative Collaborators Meeting) So I am overjoyed to report that 6 students turned up during the lunch break and I met a few more of you throughout the day who also seem enthusiastic.

You know who you are and it was really encouraging to meet you!

I hope other people follow the project on here.

It is not too late for other students to participate in the Sketchbook Project, my chosen theme is "The Companion Book" as I wanted to work on designs for possible later use as Valentines day cards. If you do want to participate 11x16cm is the maximum size, the work must be 2 dimensional and if you get it to me before the end of January then it can be included. I will scan your images and either the print or original can go in the sketchbook it is up to you. Your work will also be available to view online, see link below to view my last years sketchbook.

http://www.arthousecoop.com/users/louisedotwaller/artwork

I will be back in the Arts Centre next Wednesday so please come find me for more info.

Ta Louise

I have pasted my first 2 blog posts to the bottom of this one, because I had put them on the message board and not in the blog board.... Sorry!

I need Liverpool Students to collaborate with me on a project

First meeting Wednesday 11th January in the AA2A room at Lunchtime, The Arts Centre, all LCC students welcome, you don't need to be studying art.

The first part of the colaboration project will involve students work being toured Internationally starting in Brooklyn, really exciting opportunity that I hope can be a commercial as well as Creative Opportunity for you.

more to follow....

Ta

Louise

4/1/12

So tomorrow is my first propper AA2A day. Due to a dose of being not very well between October and December. I am eager to get started. I hope to set up my work space and do a bit of throwing practice.
Posters wil be popping up around The Arts Centre inviting students to undertake a collaborative clay project which will involve Wednesday meet ups and independent designing.
Will be able to confirm more after my first day.....

5/1/12

update after the first day: First day was interrupted by my acquiring an art class that I will tutor from now on, we will be doing a portrait project to start with. Very exciting and the reason many artists undertake residencies, unexpected opportunities like this!

I have however found my space and been introduced to lots of creative tutors. Drop in project sessions will start next Wednesday lunchtime and be a weekly event. I will also be popping into as many classes as I can on Wednesday's introducing myself and hopefully inspiring students to work with me.

Really hope I get a few eager collaborators.....

Louise