Amanda Jolley

Reflection on pattern and abstraction of the subconscious

Crystal Marie: The Art of Physicality

Instructor: Crystal Marie
Date: Fri, March 24 – Sun, March 26, 2023
Time: 9:30-4:00 
Location: Studio Joy, 608 E 30th St, Kansas City MO 
Cost: $500 (includes instructor supplies)
Maximum: 16 students

Physicality: The quality of being closely connected in some way to the body

Inspired by my 2021 solo show, Landscapes: Land and Body and moving beyond, to encompass the fullness of all I’ve been exploring and teaching over the past 3 years. Beyond that even, when viewed against the entirety of my nearly 2 decades of art practice, in bringing disparate objects together in unique assemblies.

Alongside the concept of Physicality in describing the surface of the work, we’ll work with the concept of “materiality”, allowing the materials to lead to, and speak of the deeper meaning of work.

Utilizing the ancient craft of Japanese Momigami, this class is equal parts process and intuition, as it seeks to create a visual and visceral experience in 3D Sculptural form. Illustrating through evocative materials, terrain which may at once be found on the land beneath one’s feet and that which covers the body.

A visual embodiment of the artist in abstract form.

Finding freedom in intuitive expression, working with a salvaged, recycled, or store-bought “frame*” as the foundation of the work, I’ll guide each participant through the process of identifying and working out their own design concepts to create a sculptural 3D work with any number of materials and techniques in combination with the paper layer of momigami. 

Techniques covered in this course include: Traditional momigami, experimental sculptural momigami, Intuitive stitching, wrapping, and weaving, quick dye techniques, mark-making, collaging, assemblage, and encaustic wax.

Each technique can be utilized on its own, to create a series of related works, or incorporated into a single work of art, or any combination the student desires. 

Works can be free standing or created in relief style to hang on the wall. 

Whether paper dominates the composition, or simply accents the work, this workshop will guide you each step of the way. From paper selection, proper attachment techniques, experimental intuitive layers and surface details that make the entire work a tactile, visceral experience for artist and viewer.

Participants may work on small works or samplers alongside the main project.

* What is considered a frame can be interpreted as loosely or as traditionally as desired. The goal is to create either a relief style work to hang on the wall, or a free-standing sculpture. Suggestions include antique or vintage frames with interesting detail work, found or salvaged materials with an opening such as salvaged barrel rings or deconstructed basket rings, or organic materials such as tree limbs and branches, dried vines or even an old grapevine wreath.

Supply List and Notes 

Supply investment for students should be minimal, but you may wish to bring several of the options listed in the additional options section.

Links are provided as examples and for convenience if you need to order.  

Note: The foundation of the work will be created on a frame or support of some type- student to interpret in any way they wish. Images are provided for examples, with additional suggestions. You can opt to work frameless if you prefer and we will cover these options in the course. Keep it simple and bring a basic frame if you’re uncertain.

The supply list is divided in sections between necessary to bring and options to consider, with teachers list at the end.

Student to bring:

Salvaged or new frame, basket hoop, or support no larger than 24” on any side

Several sheets or variety pack of Light-weight (up to 40gsm or single layer) and medium weight (40-80gsm or double layer) mulberry papers in your choice of colors.

Silicone oven liner or heavy-duty large garbage bag

1-2 colors of acrylic fluid paint (to be used to dye fabrics and paper)

1 package of cheese cloth

Basics: Scissors, craft knife, ruler, disposable gloves

Frame Examples/Options:

Additional options to consider listed below – Crystal will have a variety of things to share, but you may wish to bring a selection of items to personalize your project. Images provided below for examples. With consideration to space in the teaching studio, please limit your selection to what you feel you’ll use for 1-2 projects.

Additional papers: Ephemera, salvaged book parts, collected or decorative papers

Salvaged textiles: old clothing, lace, table linens, etc

Cord, rope, string, yarn, wire, decorative trims for weaving and wrapping

Embroidery or Sashiko floss, and/or horsehair plus needles for stitching (sharp points work best for the project)

Found objects: Rusty objects, washers, natural branches, pods, feathers, etc

Instructor to provide:

Natural white Mulberry Paper for foundational layers

Ingredients and equipment for Momigami paste

1-2 Small canvas per student for sample works

Encaustic medium and equipment

Some textiles, floss, trim, to share

Mark-making mediums

Basically everything Crystal can cram in her car except the kitchen sink.

Lunch: 12:30-1:30
Fabulous restaurants are within walking distance or bring a sack lunch. A refrigerator and microwave are available.

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 Crystal:

Website: Canary Rising
Substack: Crystal Marie, Deeper
IG: @crystalmarie_artist
FB: Crystal Marie, Artist

Crystal Marie is an artist and an author with a passion for teaching others how to recover their own unique voice. Her process is intuitive, which, she says, is simply the truest, most authentic version of her own voice.

Following her intuitive knowing has been the foundation of Crystal’s career as an artist, when in her 30s a happenstance encounter with a stranger handing her an art magazine was all it took to awaken that long forgotten place inside.

Today Crystal has an established career as a professional artist with gallery representation, one book published on the art of collage, and is currently writing a book about the intuitive voice. Crystal has exhibited her work in many fine art exhibitions, solo shows, and events. She teaches workshops online and (prior to the pandemic) locations across the US. She runs a community for all creatives online called Canary Rising and is part of a small collective of artists who collaborate and show their work together.

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 YET, but accommodations can be made for table height, type of seating, and most sensory issues. Please communicate your requested accommodations when you register. This is a fragrance free excepting incense burned with agreement of all participants. If incense is not okay with you, please let me know when you register.

Travel:
Do not book travel until confirmation is received that the workshop has reached its minimum required enrollment. Minimum required for this workshop is 4 students. All who register will be notified by Amanda when the minimum is met. Due to COVID, travel insurance is suggested for a worst case scenario cancellation. 
Amanda will also share a list of suggested accommodations upon request. A large Airbnb is 2 blocks from the studio if a group is interested.

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.