Asemic writing is wordless open semantic form of writing without the smallest unit of meaning according to Wikipedia. I prefer to view asemic writing as an expression of a personal inner language, one perhaps even the maker cannot translate cognitively. In this workshop, we will experiment with various approaches to asemic writing both large and small, and address ways to incorporate the writing into our encaustic work.

This workshop is all about attuning to the moving center of our intellect and expressing that intellect without attachment to the writing or marks our body desires to make.

The moving center basically is about intelligence through movement. It’s the way that our body is able to put its tentacles out and explore and gain information from the world. It’s that whole realm of things that we don’t do directly with our intellectual rational brain but that deeply engage us.

Cynthia Bourgeault

We will focus on the discovery and development of our inner language through body movement and free gesture, explore poetic and other forms of asemic writing. Ultimately we will take our language, break it apart, and explore different approaches of expressing the writing in encaustic form via monotypes, sculpture, and painting abstractions using various tools paired with techniques I have developed.

Beyond asemic writing, the approach and techniques learned in this workshop will offer freedom from overthinking, brain chatter, and other ‘mind intellect’ hinderances to the creative process.

What is it about the hand in motion?

Lynda Barry

Day 1

• Intro of concepts to be presented including slideshow of works by various artists
• Movement exercises to tap into your body (these easy movements may be done sitting and/or with other accommodations)
• Exploration and excavation of your unique inner language through mark making exercises
• Carrying the inner language into a collaborative exercise with the group
• Taking those marks to paper with wax aka creating monotypes using your inner language

Day 2

• Movement exercises to tap back into our body’s inherent knowledge
• Introduction of various techniques to carry asemic writing onto the painted panel including use of additional art supply tools and utilizing the tjanting tool with encaustic paint
• Developing the concept of ‘history’ in the painting by building layers
• Incorporating monotypes from day one as collage elements on the painted panel

Student Supply List (all other supplies will be provided, including panels):

• apron or work shirt
• pen and paper/notepad for capturing thoughts

Optional items (it is always nice to use your own favorites): 

• 4-6 cradled panels, untreated, or Ampersand Encausticbord, no larger than 10×10 if you prefer a cradled panel. Flat panels will be provided. Cradled are not required. That is purely preference.
• Scissors if you have a favorite studio pair.
• Carving & scraping tools (pottery tools work wonderfully as do any other metal tipped tools).
• Any other favorite supplies or tools you may utilize.
• Needle and thread or floss for stitching hand-waxed paper we will make in the workshop IF you like to stitch.

Student Work from prior workshops (Unfortunately I am unable to credit the artists due to my lack of record keeping. If you see a painting that is yours, let me know and I’ll add your name.)

“I took Amanda’s Asemic writing mini course at Encausticamp and found it fascinating and enjoyable. I found out so much about how our brain is trained to see ‘writing’ that may or may not have any reference to our own written language. I have since explored the subject further and am a member of an online asemic artist group and have used my own asemic writing in encaustic work.”
-Susie Liddle

Is encaustic painting experience required?
Encaustic experience is helpful, but not required. Basic fusing and painting plus my techniques specific to asemic writing will be covered.

Lunch: 12:30-1:30
Fabulous restaurants are within walking distance or bring a sack lunch. A refrigerator and microwave are available.
A water dispenser and tea kettle are available throughout the workshop.

Notice:  Janus, the studio cat, frequents the studio and while she will not be joining our workshop, please bring any allergy medication if you may need it.