Amanda Jolley: Asemic Writing

with Encaustic Exploration

Instructor: Amanda Jolley
Date: March 19-20, 2022
Time: 9:30-4:30pm
Location: Studio Joy, 608 E 30th St, Kansas City MO 
Cost: $350
Maximum: 10 students **full**

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 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

Student Supply List:

• 2 flat or cradled birch/wood panels, untreated, or Ampersand Encausticbord, no larger than 10×10
• scissors
• apron
• pen and paper/notepad for capturing thoughts

Optional items if you have them (it is always nice to use your own favorites): 

• 4-6 additional flat or cradled birch panels, untreated, or Ampersand Encausticbord, no larger than 10×10
• Carving & scraping tools (pottery tools work wonderfully as do any other metal tipped tools)
• Needle and thread or floss for stitching hand-waxed paper we will make in the workshop IF you like to stitch

“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 on line 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
Bring your own lunch and water bottles. We will be dining in at our art stations.

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

About Amanda:

Website (you’re already here)
IG: @amandajolley
FB: Amanda Jolley, Artist

Amanda Jolley utilizes the process of intuitive painting as a communicative device to express the patterns and metaphors emerging from her subconscious. Amanda’s mediums of choice include both encaustic painting and paper folding which she incorporates into this intuitive process. A staple in her work has become the use of embedded line-work as an expression of internal symbols and mimicry of the creases produced from paper folding. Amanda’s paintings are shown internationally both in solo and group exhibits. She also has a large-scale (12×6 sq ft) commissioned permanent installation at the University of Kansas Medical Hospital. She instructs and hosts workshops that draw an international audience from her studio in Kansas City MO US.

Studio Joy Policies:

Accessibility:
Studio Joy strives to be accessible and accommodate the needs of its students. The old building does not allow for ability to accommodate all physical needs, but accommodations can be made for table height, type of seating, and most sensory issues. Please communicate your requested accommodations when you register. 

Travel:
Do not book travel until confirmation is received that the workshop has reached its minimum required enrollment. Due to COVID, travel insurance is suggested for a worst case scenario cancellation. **Minimum requirement for this workshop has been met. Travel can be booked.**

Refund Requests:
Students will receive a full refund of tuition less related transaction fees if a request to withdraw is received by Amanda Jolley, Studio Joy no later than 30 days prior to the first day of the workshop. At 15 days prior to the workshop, 50% tuition less related transaction fees will be refunded. Request to withdraw from a course less than 15 days prior to the first class session will not be eligible for refunds.

Cancellation:
Students will receive a full refund of tuition if at 30 days prior to the workshop, the minimum required enrollment is not met.