Ceramics
This ceramics class explores a variety of building methods – hand built, wheel thrown and sculptural. Students investigate a variety of surface decoration techniques and glazes. Firing takes place through alternative firing methods – raku, oil barrel smoke and pit firing – as well as in a conventional electric kiln. Philosophy and pottery traditions from around the world enrich the class and stretch the students’ awareness of the world and of the ancient path of pottery throughout history. This pursuit in clay calls upon patience and discipline to make a good pot or piece of sculpture. Beyond that basic mastery is the voice of the piece or the potter. Students in this course work hard while gaining skill, strength, and resourcefulness. The individuality that evolves out of this focused, disciplined quest lends itself to self-knowledge as well as inventiveness and satisfaction. This course provides great potential for discovery as students explore the essential elements of life: air, earth, fire and water.
Drawn to Nature
This course explores inner and outer landscapes. Initially students learn basic drawing strategies and then practice them throughout the semester. An essential part of the class is to keep and develop an illustrated nature journal. Through the reflective process of considering this wild and startling Northwoods environment as well as the Conserve School campus, students practice drawing, painting and calligraphy as they document their lives in this place where they live. Basic design elements of line, value, color, shape, pattern and texture are covered while exploring a variety of drawing and painting media. Subject matter stem from the natural world and projects encompass botanical illustration to landscape. During this exciting class students learn to observe and see more clearly in order to draw and to discover more about themselves and the Northernwoods and all that lies before them.
Earth Art
This course focuses on creating art with and within the natural world. Students venture outside during any season to interact with the weather and the landscape and discover more about their own relationship to that world. While much of the class will take place outside, some activities will go on in the art room. The class will be a grand adventure in building with nature, printmaking, cordage making, weaving, and recycling cast-off objects while looking at how indigenous cultures around the world make toys and useful tools from recycled materials. Prepare to examine the world and come to understand your own connection to that ‘terra firma’ while you develop your resourcefulness!