“Birds do it, bees do it…probably we’ll live to see machines do it…” – Cole Porter 1928
At Siteworks this year we will be examining the lives of the remnant dinosaurs that fly amongst us and exploring the universe and navigation of bees, those bearers of fertility and harbingers of ecological collapse.
Along the way there will be real and imagined habitats, sonic interpretations, scientific research unpacked, showy costumes, sex education and erotic tales.
But it’s not all ‘adults only’, there will be opportunities for children of all ages to enjoy encounters with real live bees and birds. And a dawn chorus if you camp overnight.
All of this and more will be explored at Bundanon’s annual spring event that brings scientists, artists and community voices together to share knowledge and ideas arising from the Bundanon sites through discussions, presentations and experiences.
Expressive Mark-Making with Jody Graham
Saturday, 5 and 12 August 2017
10 am – 4 pm
Join award-winning artist Jody Graham as she guides you through two days of creating and using your own mark-making tools.
Day 1 | Saturday, 5 August 2017
Mark-making at Nurragingy Reserve*
Meet at Nurragingy Reserve in the morning to find materials. Head to Blacktown Arts Centre in the afternoon to start making your tools.
*Participants must organise their own transport to and from Nurragingy Reserve.
Day 2 | Saturday, 12 August 2017
Life drawing with non-conventional drawing tools
Extend your ideas about what you can draw with, and discover alternative ways to understand and draw the human figure.
Cost
$45 for 2 workshops
This is a 2-day workshop. Single workshop bookings are not available. Price includes GST and booking fee. All materials and afternoon tea are provided. Please bring your own lunch.
Embers of Empathy is a unique collaboration between one of the world’s leading humanitarian organisations and Australia’s fine artists, to raise funds to support people and communities affected by natural disasters.
The works I have created and those of the other artists involved will be auctioned, with all proceeds going towards the vital disaster relief and recovery work of Red Cross.
To find out more please go to the Embers of Empathy website embersofempathy.com
Jody Graham- Artist- Sydney based
Demonstration Information
‘Loosening up techniques in mixed media’
The demonstration will showcase a variety of expressive drawing techniques using mixed media: charcoal, ink, acrylic, pastel and collage. During the demonstration, information about materials, preparation and personal expression will be discussed .The aim of this presentation is to offer inspiration and generate excitement about the creative process.
Demonstration Review…By Colina Grant -Parramatta Art Society
“City Street-scapes”
..with Jody Graham..mixed-media 17.8.13
From the word go we were in for one of Jody’s action-packed demos as usual. She impressed on us the need to keep drawing and showed us the sketch books in 2 different sizes that she keeps with herself all the time…jotting down information. A ‘Lamy’ pen (a bit like a fountain pen) is a main part of her equipment ……a half tone achieved with the addition of water or a bit of spit on a finger! Along with the pen, a board, some paper, her favourite brush, water, and ink in a little squeeze-bottle make up the essentials for a morning out on the streets of Sydney.
Jody impresses on us that works done from sketches will be far more dynamic than from a photo. Not that she doesn’t use photos. If working on a large piece she will have them stuck-up in view while working in the studio, but finds herself drawing more from the sketches, as they have captured the essence of the scene.
She began with three Waterford medium texture 300 gsm quarter sheets taped to a large backing-board and drew with a piece of charcoal taped to a piece of dowel which was taped in turn to ‘rake’ brush. The need for all the extensions is to give freedom to the lines. When happy with the three street scenes, she splashed ochre inks on the buildings then some sepia…..watering-down occasionally to get half-tones. A rag held in the left hand also helped in this regard or to stop any run-away drips. Working on 3 at a time means the first one will be dry by the time you reach the third especially on a warm day like we had for our opening! A smaller brush brought in some finer detail. A soft pastel came in over the top lightening some tones and drawing in more detail.
When working at home Jody prefers to do larger works on 600 gsm Arches and stressed that working this way never guaranteed success each time. But then she went on to show us a framed work made up of a collage of supposedly ‘failed’ works. It was brilliant! Sanding them back with an electric sander gives her some really subtle effects and surfaces…some deliberation in their placement….a little drawing again over the top and “wallah!”
As an encore, Jody began a large drawing, again of a street-scape working to some rock music. It really was not a time for questions!!!! Using a soft compressed charcoal and lots of rubbing in with the hand, it was exciting to watch it appear! She once again stressed the need to leave areas of mystery….ignore the impulse to explain everything.
I, for one will try to heed this advise, Jody! Thank You!
Colina
Demonstrations 2015
2nd December 2015
Wednesday 7 – 9pm
FTA Art Club – Cresswood
Contact: Elaine Butler – elaine@funtimeart.com.au
*Demonstaration – Drawing – Charcoal & Mixed Media