Dio Art Workshops Will Tap Into Beginners’ Passion

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16 July, 2009

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DIO ART WORKSHOPS WILL TAP INTO BEGINNERS’ PASSION

Artist Nicky Foreman says students in her workshops are often surprised to hear that she learns as much from them as they do from her.

“Adults in my classes sometimes say to me ‘but I don’t know anything’. I tell them that doesn’t matter and that, when I watch them work, I see new ways of approaching art that I never would have thought of myself,” says Nicky.

The 39-year-old Auckland artist is running one of eight visual arts workshops this month at Diocesan School for Girls.

The one-day workshops on July 25 are open to anyone to attend and include sessions on painting, drawing, photography, handmade book making, silk screening, print making and sculpture.

“Last year we had students ranging from 16-year-olds to ones in their 60s. Some had done art classes and some hadn’t.”

Nicky, who also teaches at Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design and runs workshops at secondary schools around the country as part of their curriculum, says she loves teaching adults.

“But they sometimes have to get past the ‘is it right?’ attitude and the idea that they can only do things one way. Part of what I do is try to get them to undo the rigidity of what they have learnt in the past.”

Nicky’s painting workshop will involve mixed media, including materials like photocopies, shellac, gold, copper and silver leaf as well as acrylic and oil paints.

She also encourages students to find subjects to paint that they feel strongly about.

“If you are passionate about what you are painting, there will be passion and energy in your work. People surprise themselves.”

Other artists holding workshops are Susan Hurrell-Fieldes, James Ormsby, Emma McLellan, Brydee Rood, Elizabeth Sarjeant and Sally Fausett. Tony Carter will run a fabric screen printing workshop for 5 to 12 year olds.

The workshops run from 10am to 4.30pm for a maximum of 15 people and cost $85 including materials. To register, email jwilliams[at]diocesan.school.nz or phone 09 520 0221 and ask for the Diocesan School Development Office.

ENDS

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